Method and apparatus for advertising on a mobile gaming device

ABSTRACT

In various embodiments, promotions are featured on mobile gaming devices.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation of U.S. Pat. Application No.17/207,539 filed Mar. 19, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. Pat.Application No. 16/454,255 filed Jun. 27, 2019 (now U.S. Pat. No.10,957,151 issued Mar. 23, 2021), which is a continuation application ofU.S. Pat. Application No. 13/611,697 filed Sep. 12, 2012 (now U.S. Pat.No. 10,373,424 issued Aug. 6, 2019), which is a continuation of U.S.Pat. Application No. 11/567,322 filed Dec. 6, 2006 (now U.S. Pat. No.9,754,444 issued Sep. 5, 2017), the disclosures of which are herebyincorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a system according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2 shows a mobile gaming device according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 shows a gaming device according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 shows a casino server according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5 shows a point of sale terminal according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Guidelines for interpreting the present application

The following sections I - X provide a guide to interpreting the presentapplication.

I. Terms

The term “product” means any machine, manufacture and / or compositionof matter, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The term “process” means any process, algorithm, method or the like,unless expressly specified otherwise.

Each process (whether called a method, algorithm or otherwise)inherently includes one or more steps, and therefore all references to a“step” or “steps” of a process have an inherent antecedent basis in themere recitation of the term ‘process’ or a like term. Accordingly, anyreference in a claim to a ‘step’ or ‘steps’ of a process has sufficientantecedent basis.

The term “invention” and the like mean “the one or more inventionsdisclosed in this application”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms “an embodiment” , “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “theembodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “someembodiments”, “certain embodiments”, “one embodiment”, “anotherembodiment” and the like mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments ofthe disclosed invention(s)”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The term “variation” of an invention means an embodiment of theinvention, unless expressly specified otherwise.

A reference to “another embodiment” in describing an embodiment does notimply that the referenced embodiment is mutually exclusive with anotherembodiment (e.g., an embodiment described before the referencedembodiment), unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms “including”, “comprising” and variations thereof mean“including but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expresslyspecified otherwise.

The term “plurality” means “two or more”, unless expressly specifiedotherwise.

The term “herein” means “in the present application, including anythingwhich may be incorporated by reference”, unless expressly specifiedotherwise.

The phrase “at least one of”, when such phrase modifies a plurality ofthings (such as an enumerated list of things) means any combination ofone or more of those things, unless expressly specified otherwise. Forexample, the phrase “at least one of a widget, a car and a wheel” meanseither (i) a widget, (ii) a car, (iii) a wheel, (iv) a widget and a car,(v) a widget and a wheel, (vi) a car and a wheel, or (vii) a widget, acar and a wheel. The phrase “at least one of”, when such phrase modifiesa plurality of things does not mean “one of each of” the plurality ofthings.

Numerical terms such as “one”, “two”, etc. when used as cardinal numbersto indicate quantity of something (e.g., one widget, two widgets), meanthe quantity indicated by that numerical term, but do not mean at leastthe quantity indicated by that numerical term. For example, the phrase“one widget” does not mean “at least one widget”, and therefore thephrase “one widget” does not cover, e.g., two widgets.

The phrase “based on” does not mean “based only on”, unless expresslyspecified otherwise. In other words, the phrase “based on” describesboth “based only on” and “based at least on”. The phrase “based at leaston” is equivalent to the phrase “based at least in part on”.

The term “represent” and like terms are not exclusive, unless expresslyspecified otherwise. For example, the term “represents” do not mean“represents only”, unless expressly specified otherwise. In other words,the phrase “the data represents a credit card number” describes both“the data represents only a credit card number” and “the data representsa credit card number, and the data also represents something else”.

The term “whereby” is used herein only to precede a clause or other setof words that express only the intended result, objective or consequenceof something that is previously and explicitly recited. Thus, when theterm “whereby” is used in a claim, the clause or other words that theterm “whereby” modifies do not establish specific further limitations ofthe claim or otherwise restricts the meaning or scope of the claim.

The term “e.g.” and like terms mean “for example”, and thus does notlimit the term or phrase it explains. For example, in the sentence “thecomputer sends data (e.g., instructions, a data structure) over theInternet”, the term “e.g.” explains that “instructions” are an exampleof “data” that the computer may send over the Internet, and alsoexplains that “a data structure” is an example of “data” that thecomputer may send over the Internet. However, both “instructions” and “adata structure” are merely examples of “data”, and other things besides“instructions” and “a data structure” can be “data”.

The term “respective” and like terms mean “taken individually”. Thus iftwo or more things have “respective” characteristics, then each suchthing has its own characteristic, and these characteristics can bedifferent from each other but need not be. For example, the phrase “eachof two machines has a respective function” means that the first suchmachine has a function and the second such machine has a function aswell. The function of the first machine may or may not be the same asthe function of the second machine.

The term “i.e.” and like terms mean “that is”, and thus limits the termor phrase it explains. For example, in the sentence “the computer sendsdata (i.e., instructions) over the Internet”, the term “i.e.” explainsthat “instructions” are the “data” that the computer sends over theInternet.

Any given numerical range shall include whole and fractions of numberswithin the range. For example, the range “1 to 10” shall be interpretedto specifically include whole numbers between 1 and 10 (e.g., 1, 2, 3,4, ... 9) and non-whole numbers (e.g., 1.1, 1.2, ... 1.9).

Where two or more terms or phrases are synonymous (e.g., because of anexplicit statement that the terms or phrases are synonymous), instancesof one such term / phrase does not mean instances of another such term /phrase must have a different meaning. For example, where a statementrenders the meaning of “including” to be synonymous with “including butnot limited to”, the mere usage of the phrase “including but not limitedto” does not mean that the term “including” means something other than“including but not limited to”.

II. Determining

The term “determining” and grammatical variants thereof (e.g., todetermine a price, determining a value, determine an object which meetsa certain criterion) is used in an extremely broad sense. The term“determining” encompasses a wide variety of actions and therefore“determining” can include calculating, computing, processing, deriving,investigating, looking up (e.g., looking up in a table, a database oranother data structure), ascertaining and the like. Also, “determining”can include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g.,accessing data in a memory) and the like. Also, “determining” caninclude resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and the like.

The term “determining” does not imply certainty or absolute precision,and therefore “determining” can include estimating, extrapolating,predicting, guessing and the like.

The term “determining” does not imply that mathematical processing mustbe performed and does not imply that numerical methods must be used anddoes not imply that an algorithm or process is used.

The term “determining” does not imply that any particular device must beused. For example, a computer need not necessarily perform thedetermining.

III. Forms of Sentences

Where a limitation of a first claim would cover one of a feature as wellas more than one of a feature (e.g., a limitation such as “at least onewidget” covers one widget as well as more than one widget), and where ina second claim that depends on the first claim, the second claim uses adefinite article “the” to refer to the limitation (e.g., “the widget”),this does not imply that the first claim covers only one of the feature,and this does not imply that the second claim covers only one of thefeature (e.g., “the widget” can cover both one widget and more than onewidget).

When an ordinal number (such as “first”, “second”, “third” and so on) isused as an adjective before a term, that ordinal number is used (unlessexpressly specified otherwise) merely to indicate a particular feature,such as to distinguish that particular feature from another feature thatis described by the same term or by a similar term. For example, a“first widget” may be so named merely to distinguish it from, e.g., a“second widget”. Thus, the mere usage of the ordinal numbers “first” and“second” before the term “widget” does not indicate any otherrelationship between the two widgets, and likewise does not indicate anyother characteristics of either or both widgets. For example, the mereusage of the ordinal numbers “first” and “second” before the term“widget” (1) does not indicate that either widget comes before or afterany other in order or location; (2) does not indicate that either widgetoccurs or acts before or after any other in time; and (3) does notindicate that either widget ranks above or below any other, as inimportance or quality. In addition, the mere usage of ordinal numbersdoes not define a numerical limit to the features identified with theordinal numbers. For example, the mere usage of the ordinal numbers“first” and “second” before the term “widget” does not indicate thatthere must be no more than two widgets.

When a single device, article or other product is described herein, morethan one device / article (whether or not they cooperate) mayalternatively be used in place of the single device / article that isdescribed. Accordingly, the functionality that is described as beingpossessed by a device may alternatively be possessed by more than onedevice / article (whether or not they cooperate).

Similarly, where more than one device, article or other product isdescribed herein (whether or not they cooperate), a single device /article may alternatively be used in place of the more than one deviceor article that is described. For example, a plurality of computer-baseddevices may be substituted with a single computer-based device.Accordingly, the various functionality that is described as beingpossessed by more than one device or article may alternatively bepossessed by a single device / article.

The functionality and / or the features of a single device that isdescribed may be alternatively embodied by one or more other deviceswhich are described but are not explicitly described as having suchfunctionality / features. Thus, other embodiments need not include thedescribed device itself, but rather can include the one or more otherdevices which would, in those other embodiments, have such functionality/ features.

IV. Disclosed Examples and Terminology are not Limiting

Neither the Title (set forth at the beginning of the first page of thepresent application) nor the Abstract (set forth at the end of thepresent application) is to be taken as limiting in any way as the scopeof the disclosed invention(s). An Abstract has been included in thisapplication merely because an Abstract of not more than 150 words isrequired under 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b).

The title of the present application and headings of sections providedin the present application are for convenience only and are not to betaken as limiting the disclosure in any way.

Numerous embodiments are described in the present application and arepresented for illustrative purposes only. The described embodiments arenot, and are not intended to be, limiting in any sense. The presentlydisclosed invention(s) are widely applicable to numerous embodiments, asis readily apparent from the disclosure. One of ordinary skill in theart will recognize that the disclosed invention(s) may be practiced withvarious modifications and alterations, such as structural, logical,software, and electrical modifications. Although particular features ofthe disclosed invention(s) may be described with reference to one ormore particular embodiments and / or drawings, it should be understoodthat such features are not limited to usage in the one or moreparticular embodiments or drawings with reference to which they aredescribed, unless expressly specified otherwise.

No embodiment of method steps or product elements described in thepresent application constitutes the invention claimed herein, or isessential to the invention claimed herein, or is coextensive with theinvention claimed herein, except where it is either expressly stated tobe so in this specification or expressly recited in a claim.

All words in every claim have the broadest scope of meaning they wouldhave been given by a person of ordinary skill in the art as of thepriority date. No term used in any claim is specially defined or limitedby this application except where expressly so stated either in thisspecification or in a claim.

The preambles of the claims that follow recite purposes, benefits andpossible uses of the claimed invention only and do not limit the claimedinvention.

The present disclosure is not a literal description of all embodimentsof the invention(s). Also, the present disclosure is not a listing offeatures of the invention(s) which must be present in all embodiments.

Devices that are described as in communication with each other need notbe in continuous communication with each other, unless expresslyspecified otherwise. On the contrary, such devices need only transmit toeach other as necessary or desirable and may actually refrain fromexchanging data most of the time. For example, a machine incommunication with another machine via the Internet may not transmitdata to the other machine for long period of time (e.g. weeks at atime). In addition, devices that are in communication with each othermay communicate directly or indirectly through one or moreintermediaries.

A description of an embodiment with several components or features doesnot imply that all or even any of such components / features arerequired. On the contrary, a variety of optional components aredescribed to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of thepresent invention(s). Unless otherwise specified explicitly, nocomponent / feature is essential or required.

Although process steps, algorithms or the like may be described orclaimed in a particular sequential order, such processes may beconfigured to work in different orders. In other words, any sequence ororder of steps that may be explicitly described or claimed does notnecessarily indicate a requirement that the steps be performed in thatorder. The steps of processes described herein may be performed in anyorder possible. Further, some steps may be performed simultaneouslydespite being described or implied as occurring non-simultaneously(e.g., because one step is described after the other step). Moreover,the illustration of a process by its depiction in a drawing does notimply that the illustrated process is exclusive of other variations andmodifications thereto, does not imply that the illustrated process orany of its steps are necessary to the invention(s), and does not implythat the illustrated process is preferred.

Although a process may be described as including a plurality of steps,that does not imply that all or any of the steps are preferred,essential or required. Various other embodiments within the scope of thedescribed invention(s) include other processes that omit some or all ofthe described steps. Unless otherwise specified explicitly, no step isessential or required.

Although a process may be described singly or without reference to otherproducts or methods, in an embodiment the process may interact withother products or methods. For example, such interaction may includelinking one business model to another business model. Such interactionmay be provided to enhance the flexibility or desirability of theprocess.

Although a product may be described as including a plurality ofcomponents, aspects, qualities, characteristics and / or features, thatdoes not indicate that any or all of the plurality are preferred,essential or required. Various other embodiments within the scope of thedescribed invention(s) include other products that omit some or all ofthe described plurality.

An enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does notimply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unlessexpressly specified otherwise. Likewise, an enumerated list of items(which may or may not be numbered) does not imply that any or all of theitems are comprehensive of any category, unless expressly specifiedotherwise. For example, the enumerated list “a computer, a laptop, aPDA” does not imply that any or all of the three items of that list aremutually exclusive and does not imply that any or all of the three itemsof that list are comprehensive of any category.

An enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does notimply that any or all of the items are equivalent to each other orreadily substituted for each other.

All embodiments are illustrative, and do not imply that the invention orany embodiments were made or performed, as the case may be.

V. Computing

It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that thevarious processes described herein may be implemented by, e.g.,appropriately programmed general purpose computers, special purposecomputers and computing devices. Typically a processor (e.g., one ormore microprocessors, one or more microcontrollers, one or more digitalsignal processors) will receive instructions (e.g., from a memory orlike device), and execute those instructions, thereby performing one ormore processes defined by those instructions. Instructions may beembodied in, e.g., one or more computer programs, one or more scripts.

A “processor” means one or more microprocessors, central processingunits (CPUs), computing devices, microcontrollers, digital signalprocessors, or like devices or any combination thereof, regardless ofthe architecture (e.g., chip-level multiprocessing / multi-core, RISC,CISC, Microprocessor without Interlocked Pipeline Stages, pipeliningconfiguration, simultaneous multithreading).

Thus a description of a process is likewise a description of anapparatus for performing the process. The apparatus that performs theprocess can include, e.g., a processor and those input devices andoutput devices that are appropriate to perform the process.

Further, programs that implement such methods (as well as other types ofdata) may be stored and transmitted using a variety of media (e.g.,computer readable media) in a number of manners. In some embodiments,hard-wired circuitry or custom hardware may be used in place of, or incombination with, some or all of the software instructions that canimplement the processes of various embodiments. Thus, variouscombinations of hardware and software may be used instead of softwareonly.

The term “computer-readable medium” refers to any medium, a plurality ofthe same, or a combination of different media, that participate inproviding data (e.g., instructions, data structures) which may be readby a computer, a processor or a like device. Such a medium may take manyforms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media,and transmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example, opticalor magnetic disks and other persistent memory. Volatile media includedynamic random access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutes themain memory. Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire andfiber optics, including the wires that comprise a system bus coupled tothe processor. Transmission media may include or convey acoustic waves,light waves and electromagnetic emissions, such as those generatedduring radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications.Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppydisk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magneticmedium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, papertape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM,an EPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrierwave as described hereinafter, or any other medium from which a computercan read.

Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carryingdata (e.g. sequences of instructions) to a processor. For example, datamay be (i) delivered from RAM to a processor; (ii) carried over awireless transmission medium; (iii) formatted and / or transmittedaccording to numerous formats, standards or protocols, such as Ethernet(or IEEE 802.3), SAP, ATP, Bluetooth□, and TCP/IP, TDMA, CDMA, and 3G;and / or (iv) encrypted to ensure privacy or prevent fraud in any of avariety of ways well known in the art.

Thus a description of a process is likewise a description of acomputer-readable medium storing a program for performing the process.The computer-readable medium can store (in any appropriate format) thoseprogram elements which are appropriate to perform the method.

Just as the description of various steps in a process does not indicatethat all the described steps are required, embodiments of an apparatusinclude a computer / computing device operable to perform some (but notnecessarily all) of the described process.

Likewise, just as the description of various steps in a process does notindicate that all the described steps are required, embodiments of acomputer-readable medium storing a program or data structure include acomputer-readable medium storing a program that, when executed, cancause a processor to perform some (but not necessarily all) of thedescribed process.

Where databases are described, it will be understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art that (i) alternative database structures to thosedescribed may be readily employed, and (ii) other memory structuresbesides databases may be readily employed. Any illustrations ordescriptions of any sample databases presented herein are illustrativearrangements for stored representations of information. Any number ofother arrangements may be employed besides those suggested by, e.g.,tables illustrated in drawings or elsewhere. Similarly, any illustratedentries of the databases represent exemplary information only; one ofordinary skill in the art will understand that the number and content ofthe entries can be different from those described herein. Further,despite any depiction of the databases as tables, other formats(including relational databases, object-based models and / ordistributed databases) could be used to store and manipulate the datatypes described herein. Likewise, object methods or behaviors of adatabase can be used to implement various processes, such as thedescribed herein. In addition, the databases may, in a known manner, bestored locally or remotely from a device which accesses data in such adatabase.

Various embodiments can be configured to work in a network environmentincluding a computer that is in communication (e.g., via acommunications network) with one or more devices. The computer maycommunicate with the devices directly or indirectly, via any wired orwireless medium (e.g. the Internet, LAN, WAN or Ethernet, Token Ring, atelephone line, a cable line, a radio channel, an optical communicationsline, commercial on-line service providers, bulletin board systems, asatellite communications link, a combination of any of the above). Eachof the devices may themselves comprise computers or other computingdevices, such as those based on the Intel® Pentium® or Centrino™processor, that are adapted to communicate with the computer. Any numberand type of devices may be in communication with the computer.

In an embodiment, a server computer or centralized authority may not benecessary or desirable. For example, the present invention may, in anembodiment, be practiced on one or more devices without a centralauthority. In such an embodiment, any functions described herein asperformed by the server computer or data described as stored on theserver computer may instead be performed by or stored on one or moresuch devices.

Where a process is described, in an embodiment the process may operatewithout any user intervention. In another embodiment, the processincludes some human intervention (e.g., a step is performed by or withthe assistance of a human).

VI. Continuing Applications

The present disclosure provides, to one of ordinary skill in the art, anenabling description of several embodiments and / or inventions. Some ofthese embodiments and / or inventions may not be claimed in the presentapplication but may nevertheless be claimed in one or more continuingapplications that claim the benefit of priority of the presentapplication.

Applicants intend to file additional applications to pursue patents forsubject matter that has been disclosed and enabled but not claimed inthe present application.

VII. 35 U.S.C. § 112, Paragraph 6

In a claim, a limitation of the claim which includes the phrase “meansfor” or the phrase “step for” means that 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6,applies to that limitation.

In a claim, a limitation of the claim which does not include the phrase“means for” or the phrase “step for” means that 35 U.S.C. § 112,paragraph 6 does not apply to that limitation, regardless of whetherthat limitation recites a function without recitation of structure,material or acts for performing that function. For example, in a claim,the mere use of the phrase “step of” or the phrase “steps of” inreferring to one or more steps of the claim or of another claim does notmean that 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6, applies to that step(s).

With respect to a means or a step for performing a specified function inaccordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6, the correspondingstructure, material or acts described in the specification, andequivalents thereof, may perform additional functions as well as thespecified function.

Computers, processors, computing devices and like products arestructures that can perform a wide variety of functions. Such productscan be operable to perform a specified function by executing one or moreprograms, such as a program stored in a memory device of that product orin a memory device which that product accesses. Unless expresslyspecified otherwise, such a program need not be based on any particularalgorithm, such as any particular algorithm that might be disclosed inthe present application. It is well known to one of ordinary skill inthe art that a specified function may be implemented via differentalgorithms, and any of a number of different algorithms would be a meredesign choice for carrying out the specified function.

Therefore, with respect to a means or a step for performing a specifiedfunction in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6, structurecorresponding to a specified function includes any product programmed toperform the specified function. Such structure includes programmedproducts which perform the function, regardless of whether such productis programmed with (i) a disclosed algorithm for performing thefunction, (ii) an algorithm that is similar to a disclosed algorithm, or(iii) a different algorithm for performing the function.

Where there is recited a means for performing a function hat is amethod, one structure for performing this method includes a computingdevice (e.g., a general purpose computer) that is programmed and / orconfigured with appropriate hardware to perform that function.

Also includes a computing device (e.g., a general purpose computer) thatis programmed and / or configured with appropriate hardware to performthat function via other algorithms as would be understood by one ofordinary skill in the art.

VIII. Disclaimer

Numerous references to a particular embodiment does not indicate adisclaimer or disavowal of additional, different embodiments, andsimilarly references to the description of embodiments which all includea particular feature does not indicate a disclaimer or disavowal ofembodiments which do not include that particular feature. A cleardisclaimer or disavowal in the present application shall be prefaced bythe phrase “does not include” or by the phrase “cannot perform”.

IX. Incorporation By Reference

Any patent, patent application or other document referred to herein isincorporated by reference into this patent application as part of thepresent disclosure, but only for purposes of written description inaccordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 1 and enablement inaccordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 1, and should in no way beused to limit, define, or otherwise construe any term of the presentapplication where the present application, without such incorporation byreference, would not have failed to provide an ascertainable meaning,but rather would have allowed an ascertainable meaning for such term tobe provided. Thus, the person of ordinary skill in the art need not havebeen in any way limited by any embodiments provided in the reference.

Any incorporation by reference does not, in and of itself, imply anyendorsement of, ratification of, or acquiescence in any statements,opinions, arguments or characterizations contained in any incorporatedpatent, patent application or other document, unless explicitlyspecified otherwise in this patent application.

X. Prosecution History

In interpreting the present application (which includes the claims), oneof ordinary skill in the art shall refer to the prosecution history ofthe present application, but not to the prosecution history of any otherpatent or patent application, regardless of whether there are otherpatent applications that are considered related to the presentapplication, and regardless of whether there are other patentapplications that share a claim of priority with the presentapplication.

Demographic

As used herein, the term demographic may refer to an age, age range,race, gender, income level, range of income levels, marital status,level of education, presence or absence of children, number of children,net worth, language spoken, religion, political orientation, or to anyother characteristic which may be used to classify a person into somesegment of the population.

House Edge, House Advantage

As used herein, the terms “house edge” and “house advantage” may referto an amount that the house is expected to retain, on average, per unitbet by the player. The house edge may be expressed in percentage terms.For example, a house edge of 5% may indicate that the house can expectto retain 5 cents on average per dollar bet by a player. It should benoted that a statement of a house edge does not imply that the housewill necessarily retain the stated amount of a player’s bet on eachgame. The house edge, rather, refers to an expectation or average. Forexample, suppose a player bets $1 on a game in which he has a 45% chanceof winning $2, and a 55% chance of winning nothing. The house edge maybe calculated as (0.55*($1 - $0) + 0.45*($1 - $2))/$1 = 10%. Thus, thehouse may expect to win 10 cents per dollar wagered by the player.

Outcome

As used herein, the term “outcome” may refer a set of symbols or indiciawhich may be obtained (e.g., randomly generated; e.g., selected by aplayer) in a game (e.g., in a game played with a wager), and which maydetermine a course or direction in the game and/or which may determine apayment or prize to be awarded from the game. The term “outcome” may, invarious embodiments, refer both to symbols and indicia and to thepayment or prize awarded in a game. The term “outcome” may, in variousembodiments, refer to the prize or payment awarded in a game. In variousembodiments, multiple outcomes may occur during a game. For example, ina slot machine game, each activated pay-line may feature a differentoutcome. Further, in various embodiments, a game may include asuccession of outcomes. For example, in a game of video poker, aninitial set of five cards dealt to a player may constitute a firstoutcome. The final hand of cards obtained by the player after discardingcards from the initial set of five cards may constitute a secondoutcome. In various embodiments, the aggregate effect of severaloutcomes in a game may itself constitute an outcome. For example, in aslot machine game, a player may activate three pay-lines and may therebyreceive three outcomes. Payouts associated with the three outcomes maybe 2 coins, 5 coins, and 3 coins. Thus, the aggregate outcome of thegame may be that the player receives a payout of 10 coins. Examples ofoutcomes include: (a) a set of symbols achieved across the pay-line of areel slot machine; (b) a set of cards dealt in a game of poker; (c) aset of cards dealt in a game of blackjack; (d) a player hand in a gameof blackjack; (e) a player hand in combination with a dealer hand inblackjack (i.e., an outcome in a game of blackjack may include cardsreceived by a player and cards received by a dealer); (f) a numberrolled in a game of craps; (g) a series of numbers rolled in a game ofcraps (e.g., in a game of craps, an outcome may include the entireseries of numbers rolled between the time a player made a bet and thetime the player was paid for his bet or lost his bet); (g) a set ofnumbers generated in a game of keno; (h) a prize amount revealed in abonus round; and so on.

Product

As used herein, the term “product” may include a good. As used herein,the term “product” may include a service.

Gaming

As used herein, the term “gaming” may refer to placing a first value atrisk on one or more events whose outcomes cannot be predicted withcertainty, with the possibility of winning a second value should aparticular outcome of the event(s) actually occur. Gaming may include:(a) betting money on the outcome of a roll of dice; (b) betting money onthe deal of one or more cards; (c) betting money on the spinning of awheel; (d) betting money on the spinning of slot machine reels; (e)betting money on the outcome of a sporting contest; (f) betting money onthe outcome of an election; (g) betting money on the occurrence of anatural event, such as a hurricane; and betting money on any other eventwhich cannot be predicted with certainty. Gaming may include: (a)playing a game of poker with money at risk; (b) playing a game of crapswith money at risk; (c) playing a game of roulette with money at risk;(d) betting money on the outcome of a football game; or betting money onany other game or contest. The “value” placed at risk in gaming mayinclude anything that may be of benefit to a person or other entity,whether or not the benefit may be experienced by the person engaging ingaming. Value may be tangible or intangible. Value may include: (a)cash; (b) credits; (c) tokens; (d) rights (e.g., the right to bypass aline for a buffet; e.g., the right to a free spin at a slot machine);(e) products; (f) services; (g) comp points; (h) coupons; (i) vouchers;(j) movie tickets; (k) the right to receive a loan; (1) frequent flyermiles; and any other item of value. The value that may be won fromgaming need not be of the same type as that placed at risk. For example,a person may put at risk cash in order to win movie tickets. The eventswhich are the subject of gaming may be predictable in principle, but maynot be predictable given applicable rules, standards, or capabilities.For example, a person may be able to predict which cards will be dealtby rigging a deck of cards. However, rigging the deck of cards would becontrary to the rules of the game. Placing an item of value at risk mayinclude allowing the possibility that some or all of the item of valuewill be lost. Gaming may include placing value at risk even if suchvalue is not in the possession of the gamer. For example, a businessowner may bet half of his future business profits for the forthcomingcalendar year. Gaming may include investing, such as investing in thestock or bond market. Gaming may further include taking a derivativeposition, such as buying puts or calls on stocks.

Detection of One Device by Another

Various embodiments described herein may refer to the interactionbetween a first device and a “nearby” second device. In variousembodiments, the first device may take action if the second device isnearby. In various embodiments, the second device may take action if thefirst device is nearby. When terms such as “nearby”, “near”, “close”,“proximate”, “presence”, or the like are used, it will be understoodthat the first device may recognize the presence of the second device invarious ways, that the second device may recognize the presence of thefirst device in various ways, that the first device may react to thepresence of the second device in various ways, and that the seconddevice may react to the first device in various ways. It may be notedthat the first device may react to the presence of the second devicewithout recognizing the presence of the second device if, for example,the first device is instructed to take an action by a third device whichrecognizes that the second device is near to the first device. Invarious embodiments, the first device and/or the second device may be inmotion. For example, the first device may be moving (e.g., the firstdevice may be carried by a walking person) while the second device maybe stationary.

Various technologies may allow a first device to recognize and/or toreact to the presence of a second device. Various technologies may allowa second device to recognize and/or to react to the presence of a firstdevice. As used herein, the term “beacon” includes a device whichgenerates a signal which may be used as a reference signal by anotherdevice or person, e.g., so that the other device may determine its ownlocation or position. A beacon may emit a continuous, periodic,sporadic, or other type of signal. A beacon may emit a directed signal(e.g., a signal which is most easily detected by devices at a certainincident angle to the beacon) or the beacon may emit a signal of equalstrength in all directions. A beacon may emit a signal when triggered bythe presence of another device or may emit a signal independently ofother events. A beacon may have, as its sole function, the broadcast ofa reference signal. A beacon may serve as a beacon only incidentally.For example, a light bulb may incidentally serve as a beacon even thoughits primary purpose may be to light a room. A beacon may be natural(e.g., the sun) or man-made. A beacon may emit light, sound, radiowaves, microwaves, odors, or any other form of signals.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags or transponders are devices,generally small, that can transmit signals and/or redirect signals, anduse such signals as a means for providing identification. Thetransmitted or redirected signals are generally radio waves. Signalswhich are transmitted or redirected may contain a unique signature orpattern, which may serve to uniquely identify the RFID tag. If the tagis associated with a device (e.g., by attachment or by incorporationinto the device), then the unique identification of the tag can, byassociation, serve to uniquely identify the device.

Near field communication (NFC) is a technology that allows for securewireless communication over short distances, typically in the range ofinches. An exemplary application has been tested by Motorola andMastercard, in which cellular phones are outfitted with NFC to allow forcredit card payments using cellular phones.

Infrared data transmission can be used as a means of communicationbetween two nearby devices. For example, an infrared light-emittingdiode (LED) can be used to generate signals. The signal pattern can becreated by switching the LED on and off. A receiver may include asilicon photodiode, which may convert incident infrared light intoelectrical signals. Infrared signals may also be transmitted withlasers.

A device may be recognized by means of a captured picture or image ofthe device. For example, a first device may take a picture of a seconddevice. The first device may use image processing algorithms to detectsalient features of the second device. For example, if the second devicehas a pattern of black and white stripes, then the first device maysearch for such a pattern within captured images.

One or more devices may use positioning technologies to determine theirown location. Once the locations of two devices are known, simplealgorithms may be used to determine whether the devices are close to oneanother or not. For example, the distances between two devices withknown x and y coordinates can be at least approximated using thePythagorean Theorem. Various positioning technologies may be used. Forexample, a device may receive a signal from a beacon or other signalgenerator of a known location. Particularly if the beacon has a shortrange, the device’s position may be assumed to approximate the positionof the beacon. In various embodiments, a device may receive signals frommultiple beacons or signal generators. The signal generators maycoordinate to transmit the signals simultaneously. However, depending onthe device’s location, the device will not necessarily receive thesignals from all the beacons at the same time. For example, if thedevice is closer to beacon 1 than to beacon 2, the device will receivethe signal from beacon 1 prior to receiving the signal from beacon 2.Based on the arrival times of signals from the various beacons, thedevice’s location may be deduced. For example, geometric ortrigonometric algorithms may be used to determine the location of thedevice based on the known locations of the beacons and based on thearrival times of simultaneously transmitted signals from the beacons. Inan analogous fashion to systems involving beacons, positioning systemsmay make use of receivers at known locations (e.g., fixed receivers).The fixed receivers each receive a signal from the device about which alocation is desired. The same signal from the device might arrive at thedifferent receivers at different times, or from different angles. Basedon the arrival times or angles of arrival of the signal at the variousreceivers, algorithms may be used to determine the location of thedevice. Exemplary positioning systems are as follows:

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is based on a constellation ofsatellites which transmit reference signals to locations on earth. GPSreceivers can pick up reference signals from multiple satellites and usethe signals to determine a position and/or an altitude.

Long Range Navigation (LORAN) is a navigation based on earth-based radiotransmitters. The location of a device can be estimated based ondifferences in arrival times at the device of signals from three or moretransmitters.

Radiolocation using the cellular telephone network is a system wherebycellular base stations serve as fixed receivers. The signal from acellular phone may be received at multiple base stations. The locationof the cellular phone may be determined based on when a signal from thecellular phone was received at each of the base stations, based on theangle with which a signal from the cell phone was received at each ofthe base stations, and/or based on characteristic distortions in thecell phone signal that would indicate a particular location of origin ofthe signal.

A first device may emit an audio signal. The audio signal may consist ofa distinct series of notes or pulses. A second device may pick up theaudio signal using a microphone, for example. The second device mayrecognize the distinctive pattern of the audio signal and may therebydeduce the presence of the first device. In a similar fashion, thesecond device may emit an audio signal which may allow the first deviceto identify the second device.

A first device may recognize the presence of a second device fromphysical or electronic contact. For example, a first device may have aport where a second device can be docked. When docked, the second devicemay come into electrical contact with the first device. The first devicemay thereby recognize the presence of the second device and/or thesecond device may thereby recognize the presence of the first device.

There are various ways in which one or more devices may detect thepresence of one or more other devices. There are various ways in theproximity of two devices may be determined.

A first device may detect a signal from a second device. The firstdevice may thereby detect the presence of the second device.

A first device may determine its own location. For example, the firstdevice may use a positioning system to determine its own location. Thefirst device may already know the location of the second device. Forexample, the second device may be at a well-known, fixed location. Thefirst device may have stored in memory the location of the seconddevice. Once the first device knows its own location and that of thesecond device, the first device may deduce (e.g., using geometricalgorithms) when the first device is near to the second device.

A third device may detect the position of a first device, e.g., using apositioning system. The third device may know the position of a seconddevice. The third device can then inform the first, second, or bothdevices of the positions of either or both of the first and seconddevices. The first device may thereby determine whether it is proximateto the second device. The second device may thereby determine whether itis proximate to the first device. In some embodiments, the third devicemay inform the first device that the first device is near the seconddevice. In some embodiments, the third device may inform the seconddevice that it is near the first device. In some embodiments, the thirddevice may instruct the first device to take some action based on thefact that the first device is near to the second device, withoutnecessarily informing the first device that the first device is near thesecond device. In some embodiments, the third device may instruct thesecond device to take some action based on the fact that the seconddevice is near to the first device, without necessarily informing thesecond device that the second device is near the first device.

A third device may detect the positions of both a first device and asecond device. The third device can then inform the first, second, orboth devices as above. That is, the third device may inform the firstand/or second devices of the first and/or second devices’ positions orof the fact that the first and second devices are near to each other.The third device may also provide instructions to the first and/or tothe second device based on the fact that the two devices are near toeach other.

A third device may detect the position of a first device. A fourthdevice may detect the position of a second device. The third and fourthdevices may then inform the first device of both positions. The thirdand fourth devices may inform the second device of both positions. Thethird and fourth devices may inform the first device that the firstdevice is near the second device. The third and fourth devices mayinform the second device that the first device is near the seconddevice. The third and/or fourth devices may instruct the first device totake some action based on the fact that the first device is near thesecond device. The third and/or fourth devices may instruct the seconddevice to take some action based on the fact that the first device isnear the second device. The fourth device may inform the third device ofthe position of the second device. The third device may inform the firstdevice of the positions of the first device and the second device. Thethird device may inform the first device that the first device is nearthe second device. The third device may inform the first device to takesome action based on the fact that the first device is near the seconddevice. The third device may inform the second device of the positionsof the first device and the second device. The third device may informthe second device that the first device is near the second device. Thethird device may inform the second device to take some action based onthe fact that the first device is near the second device.

A third device may detect the position of a first device. A fourthdevice may detect the position of a second device. The third and fourthdevices may inform a fifth device of both positions. The fifth devicemay inform the first and/or second devices of both positions. The fifthdevice may inform the first device that it is near to the second device.The fifth device may inform the second device that it is near to thefirst device. The fifth device may instruct the first device to takesome action based on the fact that the first device is near the seconddevice. The fifth device may instruct the second device to take someaction based on the fact that the second device is near the firstdevice.

Transmission and Communication

Various embodiments described herein describe the “transmission” or“communication” of a digital or electronic composition, such as adigital image, a text file, a computer program, an audio file, a videofile, or any other object or entity. Transmission or communication of adigital or electronic composition may include transmission of data suchthat the data alone is sufficient to entirely reconstruct thecomposition. For example, the transmission of a digital image mayinclude the transmission of one million bytes of data, each bytecharacterizing one of the pixels in the digital image, such that thedigital image may be completely reconstructed from the data alone.Transmission or communication of a digital or electronic composition mayinclude transmission of a data such that the transmitted data may beused in combination with other data to reconstruct the composition. Forexample, a digital image may be transmitted in a compressed format. Thedata that is transmitted may be used in combination with data describinga decompression algorithm in order to reconstruct the digital image.Transmission or communication of a digital or electronic composition mayinclude transmission of a data which indicates or characterizes thecomposition such that the composition can be retrieved or acquiredelsewhere. For example, data describing the title of an image may becommunicated from a first device to a second device. The second devicemay have various images already stored on the second device and indexedby title. The second device may reconstruct the image that wascommunicated from the first device by using the title to retrieve acomplete description of the second image from storage on the seconddevice.

In various embodiments, transmission or communication of a promotion mayinclude transmission or communication of a digital or electroniccomposition.

Encode

As used herein, a signal that “encodes” a digital or electroniccomposition may include sufficient data to reconstruct the compositionfrom the data alone. For example, a signal that encodes an advertisementconsisting of an image may include data which is sufficient, on its own,to reconstruct the image.

As used herein, a signal that “identifies” a digital or electroniccomposition may include data that provides information indicating whereor how the composition may be retrieved. A signal that identifies adigital or electronic composition may include data that provides a name,title, or other identifier for the composition such that the compositioncan be retrieved from a database or other storage medium using the name,title or other identifier.

FIG. 1 shows a system 100 according to some embodiments. In variousembodiments, the system may function within the confines of a casino. Invarious embodiments, the system may function within the confines of acasino and associated areas, such as retail shops, exercise rooms,restaurants, swimming areas, showrooms, conference halls, and so on. Invarious embodiments, the system may function beyond the confines of acasino. A casino server 105 may be in communication with one or moremobile gaming devices, such as devices, 110, 115, and 120. The casinoserver may be in communication with one or more marketer devices, suchas marketer device 125. Marketer devices may transmit information to thecasino server include information describing promotions to run (e.g.,graphics and audio associated with promotions), when to run thepromotions, what players should view promotions, what price will be paidfor running promotions, what media to use for running promotions (e.g.,symbols; e.g., background areas of a displays screen) and so on. Thecasino server 105 may be in communication with one or more displaydevices, such as display device 130. Display devices may includebillboards, electronic signs, signs, television monitors, projectors, orother display devices. The casino server may instruct a display deviceto display graphics associated with a promotion, in various embodiments.The casino server may be in communication with one or more receivers,such as receiver 135. Receivers may include antenna, RFID tag readers,bar code readers, and so on. Receivers may detect signals emitted frommobile gaming devices. Receivers may use such signals to determine thelocation of the mobile gaming devices. Receivers may also receive datafrom mobile gaming devices. Such data may be relayed to the casinoserver. The casino server 105 may be in communication with one or morebeacons, such as beacon 140. Beacons may form part of a positioningsystem which may be used by mobile gaming devices to determine theirpositions. For example, beacons may emit signals within a casino. Amobile gaming device, by receiving signals from several beacons, may beable to triangulate its own position within the casino. The casinoserver 105 may be in communication with one or more gaming devices, suchas gaming device 145. Gaming devices may include slot machines, videopoker machines, video blackjack machines, video keno machines, and soon. The casino server may be in communication with one or more point ofsale (POS) terminals, such as POS terminal 150. POS terminals mayinclude any terminals associated with retail establishments, or anyother terminals that can handle sales transactions. In variousembodiments, a POS terminal may determine an appropriate promotion to bedisplayed on a nearby mobile gaming device. The POS terminal maytransmit the promotion to the casino server. The casino server may, inturn, transmit the promotion to the mobile gaming device.

FIG. 2 shows a mobile gaming device 110 according to some embodiments.As used herein, the term “mobile gaming device” may refer to any devicethat is readily movable or portable and which allows for players togamble on one or more of at least the following: (a) a game of chance;(b) a sporting contest; (c) a game of mixed chance and skill (e.g.,blackjack); (d) a game of skill; (e) a slot machine game (e.g., a gameof video slots); (f) a lottery game; (g) a game of cards (e.g., a gameof poker); (h) a pull-tab game; (i) a game of bingo; (j) a natural event(e.g., the occurrence of a hurricane); (k) a political event (e.g., thewinner of an election); (1) an event of popular culture (e.g., the dateof a wedding between two celebrities); and so on. A mobile gaming devicemay be a device such as a Blackberry®, iPod®, personal digitalassistant, mobile phone, laptop computer, camera, personal computer,television, electronic book (eBook), or any other suitable device. Amobile gaming device may be movable or portable in the sense that theaverage human would be able to transport the device without significantexertion and without the aid of heavy machinery. A mobile gaming devicemay be movable or portable in the sense that it is not, by design,locked, bolted, or tied down to the same location for extended periodsof time (e.g., months). It is, however, contemplated that a mobilegaming device may be temporarily fixed into place (e.g., with locks orbolts) so that a human might physically interact with the device withoutrisk that the device will be accidentally pushed, moved, toppled, etc. Amobile gaming device may include a processor for executing variousprograms, including programs for operating games, programs forcommunicating with other devices, programs for presentingadvertisements, programs for presenting entertainment, and any otherprograms. A mobile gaming device may include memory for storing programdata, for storing image data, for storing data about a player, forstoring information about outcomes of games played on the mobile gamingdevice, for storing accounting data, and so on. A mobile gaming devicemay include various output devices. Such output devices may include adisplay screen, such as a liquid crystal display. The display screen maydisplay images, videos, cartoons, animations, text, or any otherfeasible output. Output devices may include a speaker. The speaker maygenerate audio outputs. For example, the speaker may generate voiceoutputs, the sound of bells, the sound of engines, or any other sound.The speaker may generate vibrations. A mobile gaming device may includeone or more input devices. The input devices may allow a player tointeract with the mobile gaming device. The mobile gaming device mayinclude buttons, keypads, roller balls, scrolling wheels, and so on. Themobile gaming device may include a touch screen which, e.g., can sensecontact from a human’s touch and/or from a stylus. The mobile gamingdevice may include a microphone for receiving audio inputs. Themicrophone may be used for receiving voice inputs. A mobile gamingdevice may include a card reader for receiving inputs from amagnetically striped card (e.g., from a credit card or player trackingcard). A mobile gaming device may also include a smart card reader. Amobile gaming device may include a camera for capturing images or video.A mobile gaming device may include a biometric reader, such as athumb-print reader or retinal scanner. A mobile gaming device mayinclude a communications port. The communications port may include anantenna for broadcasting and/or for receiving electromagnetic signals,such as wireless signals. The communications port may include an opticalcommunication mechanism, such as a laser or diode. The communicationsport may include an electric contact, which may interface to a wire, toa cable, or to the electronic contact of another device so as to createan electronic connection. The electronic connection may be used forpurposes of communication and/or for the purposes of drawing power. Amobile gaming device may include a portion which is geometricallyconfigured to fit into a docking area of another device. The otherdevice may include a portion with a complementary geometricalconfiguration. When the mobile gaming device is docked into the otherdevice, the mobile gaming device may communicate with such device and/ordraw power from the device. For example, the mobile gaming device mayupload game software from the other device or download information aboutplayer gambling activities to the other device. A mobile gaming devicemay include a power source, such as a battery or fuel cell. The mobilegaming device may further include a sensor for determining when power islow. The sensor may trigger an indicator, which may indicate an amountof power remaining. The mobile gaming device may include a radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag. The tag may include a uniquesignature and may allow other devices to recognize the presence of themobile gaming device. For example, a sensor embedded in a door frame maydetect a signal from an RFID tag embedded within a mobile gaming deviceand thereby recognize the presence of the mobile gaming device. In anexample of its general operation, a mobile gaming device may receive anindication of a player identifier, such as from the swipe of a playertracking card through a magnetic card reader associated with the mobilegaming device. The mobile gaming device may wirelessly transmit theplayer identifier to a casino server. The casino server may transmit aconfirmation signal back to the mobile gaming device, confirming thatthe player has adequate credits on account to engage in gamblingactivities. The mobile gaming device may receive a game initiationsignal from a player, e.g., via one the buttons on the mobile gamingdevice. The mobile gaming device may then execute a game program togenerate a random outcome and present the random outcome to the player.For example, on its displays screen, the mobile gaming device maysimulate the spinning of slot machine reels, which may be shown to stopwith a particular outcome displayed centrally. The mobile gaming devicemay inform the casino server of the outcome of the game. The casinoserver may, accordingly, add or subtract credits from the player’saccount. It will be appreciated that there are many other ways in whicha mobile gaming device may operate. A mobile gaming device may include amore general purpose device which is configured to allow gamingactivity, e.g., through downloads of gaming related software to thedevice. A mobile gaming device may also include a special purpose devicededicated to gaming. A mobile gaming device may include a device as setforth in Nevada bill AB471.

FIG. 3 shows a gaming device 145 according to some embodiments. As usedherein, the term “gaming device” may refer to any machine, article, ordevice which allows a player to participate in a game, contest, or otherendeavor, and which allows a player to put money or other considerationat risk. A gaming device may include a Class II gaming device, a ClassIII gaming device, a video bingo machine, an instant bingo machine, avideo poker machine (e.g., Action Gaming’s Triple Play™ Draw Poker), avideo slot machine (e.g., WMS’s Jackpot Party Classic machines), amechanical slot machine (e.g., IGT’s Cleopatra® Slots), anelectromechanical slot machine, a video blackjack machine, a video kenomachine, and a multigame machine. Gaming devices may include deviceswith non-gaming related uses which can also be used or adapted forgaming. For example, a personal computer may constitute a gaming devicesince the computer may run software for conducting a game and mayreceive, e.g., a credit card number from a player for the purposes ofcollecting from and paying money to a player. A gaming device mayinclude a mobile gaming device (e.g., a mobile device as defined byNevada bill AB 471) or any mobile device that can be used for gaming. Agaming device may include a personal digital assistant, a cell phone, alaptop computer, a Blackberry®, and so on.

FIG. 4 shows a casino server 105 according to some embodiments. Antenna405 may allow the casino server to communicate wirelessly with variousdevices, such as mobile gaming devices. Output device 410 may includedisplays, such as liquid crystal display monitors, speakers, or anyother device that may communicate information. The output device maypresent information in a way suitable for human perception. For example,the output device may present text for a human to read. Input device 415may include buttons, keypads, mice, roller balls, microphones, styli,touch screens, and so on. The input device may allow humans tocommunicate information to the casino server. Communications port 420may include an antenna, serial port, parallel port, FireWire, Ethernet,Universal Serial Bus (USB), or any other interface for communications.Storage device 430 may include a hard disk, flash memory, random accessmemory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), a compact disc, a digitalversatile disc, an optical disc, a magnetic storage device, asemiconductor memory, a magneto-optical storage device, and so on.Storage device 430 may store program data 435 as well as variousdatabases, including a promotion database 440, marketer database 445,player database 450, and point of sale (POS) terminal database 455. Theprogram data may include instructions which may direct the processor 425to operate in accordance with various embodiments.

Promotion database 440 may store data associated with promotions. Suchdata may include: (a) image data (e.g., images of products beingpromoted); (b) video data (e.g., video advertisements); (c) audio data(e.g., jingles associated with product promotions); (d) text data (e.g.,text for display in a promotion); (e) data descriptive of a promotion(e.g., a promotion may have a tag indicating what product is beingpromoted); (f) data descriptive of the size of a promotion (e.g., datadescribing the number of pixels in each dimension of an image; (g) datadescribing the running time of a promotion (e.g., 30 seconds); (h) datadescribing the place or medium where a promotion should be featured(e.g., a promotion should appear as a symbol in a simulated slot machinegame); (i) data describing the number of times a promotion should be run(e.g., the promotion should be run 100 time); (j) data describing theaudience to which a promotion should be presented (e.g., a promotionshould be presented to women between the ages of 40 and 60); (k) datadescribing the times during which a promotion should be presented (e.g.,a promotion should be presented between 11:00am and 1:00pm); (1) datadescribing the priority of a promotion (e.g., promotion with higherpriorities may be presented before or in place of promotions with lowerpriorities); (m) data describing the sponsor or marketer behind apromotion (e.g., Procter & Gamble is the sponsor of a promotion); (n)data describing a price to be paid by a sponsor or marketer for apromotion’s presentation (e.g., a marketer will pay two cents per viewerper presentation; e.g., a marketer will pay $100 to have a productfeatured in a game for an entire day); (o) data describing the number oftimes a promotion has already been presented; (p) data describing anumber of times remaining that a promotion must be presented; (q) datadescribing the number of people who have viewed a promotion; (r) datadescribing the demographics of people who have viewed a promotion; andany other data pertinent to a promotion.

Marketer database 445 may store data associated with sponsors ormarketers. Marketer database may store data including: (a) marketernames; (b) marketer advertising budgets; (c) promotions associated withmarketers; (d) amounts owed the casino by the marketers; (e) preferredaudiences of the marketer; (f) billing information for the marketer(e.g., a credit card identifier associated with the marketer; e.g., anaddress for the marketer); (g) a medium which is of primary interest toa marketer (e.g., symbols; e.g., bonus rounds); and so on.

Player database 450 may store data associated with players. Playerdatabase 450 may store data including: (a) a player’s name; (b) aplayer’s tracking card number; (c) a player’s age; (d) a player’sdemographic; (e) a player’s preferred product category; (f) a player’spreferred category of promotion; (g) a player’s length of stay at acasino; (h) a player’s historical purchasing behavior (e.g., the playerhas made 3 purchases in response to promotions in the past); (i) aplayer’s game results or outcomes (e.g., the player has won $120 today;e.g., the player has lost on his last 5 outcomes); (j) a player’sfriends, relatives, associates, or other group members; and so on.

Point of sale (POS) terminal database 455 may include data describingvarious POS terminals. In various embodiments, such terminals may beassociated with the casino. For example, such POS terminals may managetransactions for various retail establishments within a casino. Invarious embodiments, such terminals may include terminals outside of thecasino. POS terminal database 455 may include: (a) data describing thelocation of POS terminals; (b) data describing the retail establishmentsserved by POS terminals; (c) data describing presentation capabilitiesof POS terminals (e.g., a POS terminal may include a display screenand/or speaker which may be used to present images and/or soundsassociated with a promotion); and so on.

FIG. 5 shows a POS terminal 150 according to some embodiments. Theinventory database 545 may include data describing products within thestore. The inventory database may include data describing: (a) thenumber of a product remaining; (b) the expected shelf life of a product;(c) the expected remaining shelf life of a product; (d) the expectedtime of arrival of new inventory; (e) the characteristics of a product(e.g., the product color; e.g., the product size); and so on. Thepricing database 550 may include data related to products’ prices,including: (a) a product’s price; (b) a discount available on theproduct (e.g., there is a 25% discount in effect for the next two days;(c) a wholesale price for the product; (d) a cost of acquiring theproduct (e.g., the cost to the retailer of purchasing the product from awholesaler or manufacturer); (e) a liquidation price for a product; andso on.

1. Types of promotion. In various embodiments, promotions may bepresented using mobile gaming devices. A promotion may include: (a) anadvertisement (e.g., for a product or service); (b) an announcement(e.g., an announcement as to when a new show is starting at a casino;e.g., an announcement that a certain car was rated number one in thecountry); (c) a warning (e.g., a warning about the approach of inclementweather); (d) a statement of information (e.g., candidate Jones has justwon the election); (e) an offer of a benefit (e.g., an offer of adiscount; e.g., an offer of a coupon; e.g., an offer of a giftcertificate); (f) an offer of a benefit in exchange for some action onthe part of the recipient of the offer (e.g., an offer of a giftcertificate in exchange for the recipient of the offer answering surveyquestions); (g) a request (e.g., a request to answer survey questions);(h) a benefit given unconditionally (e.g., cash given unconditionally;e.g., a gift certificate given unconditionally); (i) an entry into asweepstakes or other chance event (e.g., an entry into a drawing for aparticular merchant’s car); and so on. Promotions may be presented invarious forms and in various situations. Promotions may be presented inaudio form, video form, or text form, for example. Promotions may bepresented at various points in time relative to other events. Forexample, promotions may be presented in between games played on a mobiledevice.

1.1. Audio. Promotions may be presented in audio form. A promotion mayinclude a spoken voice. For example, an announcer or narrator maydescribe the features of a product that is being advertised. A promotionmay include a song. A promotion may include a musical tune. A promotionmay include a soundtrack, such as the revving of a motorcycle engine. Apromotion may include a jingle, such as a jingle commonly associatedwith a product.

1.2. Text. A promotion may include text. Text may include information,slogans, or subtitles, for example.

1.3. Still image. A promotion may include still images. The image maytake up all or part of a display screen, such as the display screen onthe mobile gaming device. The image may represent an actual photograph,an image created by an artist, or an image created by a computer, forexample.

1.4. Video. A promotion may include video. The video may be comprised ofa sequence of still images, for example. The video may occupy an entiredisplay screen or part of a display screen, for example. A video may bethe product of a camera, or may be an animation, for example.

1.5. Vibration. A promotion may include vibration, or any induced motionof the mobile gaming device. For example, the mobile gaming device mayvibrate in conjunction with a promotion for a car race, where thevibrations may help the player of the mobile gaming device to imaginethe cars rumbling by.

1.6. Flashing lights. A promotion may include flashing or blinkinglights. For example, light emitting diodes (LEDs) on the mobile gamingdevice may flash in order to convey excitement associated with apromotion.

1.7. Smells. A promotion may include smells. For example, a mobilegaming device may release small quantities of chemicals to create aromasin conjunction with a food advertisement.

1.8. Trigger nearby signs or slot machines to display advertisements. Insome embodiments, a promotion may include a signal to other displays ordevices, the signal instructing such displays or devices to participatein the promotion. For example, as part of a promotion, a mobile gamingdevice may send a signal to a nearby slot machine (e.g., to a slotmachine located within hearing range; e.g., to a slot machine locatedwithin a line of sight of the mobile gaming device) instructing the slotmachine to perform one or more actions related to the promotion. In someembodiments, a mobile gaming device may instruct a slot machine togenerate an audio output. For example, the mobile gaming device mayinstruct that the slot machine blast the sounds of bells ringing througha speaker that is part of the slot machine. In some embodiments, amobile gaming device may a slot machine to generate a video output. Forexample, the mobile gaming device may instruct a slot machine to show aparticular video or animated clip. In some embodiments, a mobile gamingdevice may instruct a slot machine to show an image. For example, amobile gaming device may instruct a slot machine to show an image of aproduct being promoted by the mobile gaming device.

1.8.1. Distances. In various embodiments, a slot machine, another gamingdevice, a display screen, or any other device may participate inpresenting a promotion so as to enhance the effect of a promotion. Forexample, a promotion may be more effective if five slot machinessurrounding a player all show the same sounds and images than if onlythe display screen on the mobile gaming device is involved. A promotionmay be particularly effective, in some embodiments, if participatingslot machines or other devices can influence the player of the mobilegaming device. Thus, particularly effective devices may include devicesthat are visible or audible to the player. In various embodiments, adevice is instructed to participate in a promotion if the device iswithin a certain range of a mobile gaming device. For example, a mobilegaming device may instruct a slot machine to participate in a promotionif the slot machine is within ten feet of the mobile gaming device. Invarious embodiments, a mobile gaming device may instruct a device toparticipate in a promotion if: (a) the device is within a predetermineddistance of the mobile gaming device; (b) if the device is within adirect line of sight of the mobile gaming device (e.g., if there are noother devices or fixtures between the mobile gaming device and thedevice); (c) the device is in the same room as the mobile gaming device;(d) the device is on the same floor of a building as is the mobilegaming device; (e) the device is facing at least somewhat towards themobile gaming device (e.g., the mobile gaming device may only requestthat a slot machine participate in a promotion if the screen of the slotmachine is facing in the direction of the mobile gaming device); (f) themobile gaming device can detect a signal from the device (e.g., a gamingdevice may emit a short range signal that is detectable by the mobilegaming device only if the mobile gaming device is within proximity tothe gaming device; (g) the device can detect a signal from the mobilegaming device; (h) the mobile gaming device receives a signal from thedevice at a certain minimum threshold power (e.g., if the signal poweris strong in the detected signal, the device may be assumed to be nearto the mobile gaming device); (i) the device receives a signal from themobile gaming device at a certain minimum threshold power level; (j) ifthe device has video display capability; (k) if the device has audiooutput capability; (1) if the device has speakers of a certain minimumoutput capability; and so on. In various embodiments, a mobile gamingdevice may determine whether or not another device is available forparticipation in a promotion. Another device may be available if suchdevice: (a) is currently not participating in a different promotion(e.g., if the device is not displaying graphics as part of a promotionto a different player); (b) is currently not being used for gamingpurposes (e.g., a slot machine may be available if it is not currentlybeing played by another player); (c) is currently not being used forother purposes (e.g., a plasma display monitor may be available if it isnot currently not broadcasting programming to passing people); (d) isfunctioning (e.g., if the device is not experiencing mechanical orelectrical problems); (e) is not scheduled or intended for immediateuse; (f) is not restricted from participating in promotions of the typein which the device would be asked to participate in (e.g., a devicemade by a first manufacturer may be restricted from promoting productsfrom a competing manufacturer); and so on. In various embodiments, adevice that may be instructed to participate in a promotion may includea slot machine, video poker machine, another gaming device, a displaymonitor (e.g., a plasma display screen; e.g., a cathode ray tube (CRT)monitor), a billboard, a projection display, a speaker, a public addresssystem output, a light bulb, a light fixture, and so on.

In various embodiments, a device may be proximate to several playerswith mobile gaming devices. For example, a slot machine may be within 10feet of each of three players of mobile gaming devices. Such players maycoincidentally happen to be in the same area, for example. The threemobile gaming devices (those belonging to each of the three players) maycooperate to schedule the same promotion at the same time so that thedevice which is proximate to all three players may show a promotionwhich influences all the three players at once. For example, each of thethree mobile gaming devices may schedule an advertisement for cruisevacations to occur at the same time. As the mobile gaming devicesbroadcast audio to the three players, the slot machine which is near toall three players may show a video of a cruise ship sailing through bluewaters and stopping at tropical islands.

In various embodiments, a plurality of mobile gaming devices maycoordinate to schedule the same or similar promotions at the same time.A device which can influence the players of the mobile gaming devicesmay be commanded or requested to participate in the promotion. Thedevice may be a slot machine, TV monitor, billboard, or any otherdevice. The device may, accordingly, broadcast sounds images, or otherinformation in support of the promotion. The device may be selected orchosen because it is within a certain distance of all of the mobilegaming device players, because it is within line-of-site of all of themobile gaming device players, because it is within hearing range of allthe mobile gaming device players, and/or for any other reason. Invarious embodiments, a device (e.g., a slot machine) may be selected toparticipate in a promotion that is being presented to a plurality ofplayers even though the device may be unable to influence one of theplurality of players. For example, a slot machine may be chosen toparticipate in a promotion being presented to several players even ifone of the players cannot see the screen of the slot machine.

In various embodiments, a device may have the potential to participatein two or more promotions at a given time. For example, a first playerof a mobile gaming device and a second player of a mobile gaming devicemay each be in proximity to the device. Various criteria may be used todetermine whether the device will participate in a promotion presentedto the first player or the second player. The device may participate inthe promotion presented to the first player if: (a) the first player isin closer proximity to the device than is the second player; (b) thefirst player has a better view of the device than does the second player(e.g., a display screen of the device is facing towards the first playerbut away from the second player); (c) the first player is deemed morelikely to be influenced by the promotion than is the second player; (d)the first player is a better customer of the casino than is the secondplayer (e.g., the first player has bet more money at the casino in thepast than has the second player); (e) the second player is a bettercustomer of the casino than is the first player; (f) the first player isdeemed more likely to pay attention to the device participating in thepromotion; (g) the first player has shown more interest in the productscheduled to be promoted to the first player than has the second playershown in the product scheduled to be promoted to the second player; (h)the second player is in proximity to another device which mightparticipate in the promotion scheduled to be presented to the secondplayer; and/or if other criteria are satisfied. It will be appreciatedthat similar criteria may be used to choose which promotion a device(e.g., a slot machine) will participate in given that three or moreplayers of mobile devices are in the vicinity. In some embodiments, adevice (e.g., a slot machine) may participate in a promotion if suchpromotion will be presented to the majority (or the plurality) of theplayers of mobile gaming devices which are in the vicinity of thedevice.

1.8.2. Sending the signals. The determination of whether or not it wouldbe appropriate for a device (e.g., a slot machine) to participate in apromotion of a mobile gaming device may be determined in various ways.In some embodiments, the mobile gaming device may detect the presence ofthe device (e.g., the slot machine). The mobile gaming device may detectthe presence of the device by detecting a signal emitted from thedevice. The signal may be caused by radio frequency identification(RFID) tag associated with the device. The signal may be an infraredsignal or any other signal. In some embodiments, the device (e.g., theslot machine) may detect the presence of the mobile gaming device. Thedevice may detect a signal from the mobile gaming device, such as asignature of an RFID tag associated with the mobile gaming device, suchas an infrared signal from the mobile gaming device, or any othersignal. In various embodiments, the device (e.g., the slot machine) maydetect the presence of the mobile gaming device using optical means. Forexample, the device may include a camera and may employ image processingalgorithms to recognize when a player in the vicinity of the gamingdevice is carrying a mobile gaming device. In various embodiments, themobile gaming device may contain a positioning system, such as a globalpositioning system (GPS). The mobile gaming device may determine basedon its position whether it is currently proximate to a device (e.g., aslot machine). For example, the mobile gaming device may access aninternally stored map describing the positions of one or more devices.In various embodiments, the mobile gaming device and / or the device(e.g., the slot machine) may relay any received signals to a centralserver. For example, the device (e.g., the slot machine) may relaysignals from the mobile gamine device to the central server. The centralserver may recognize that the signals were generated by the mobilegaming device. Therefore, the central server may recognize that themobile gaming device is likely in proximity to the device (e.g., theslot machine). Similarly, the mobile gaming device may relay signalsfrom the device (e.g., the slot machine) to the central server. Thecentral server may recognize such signals as originating from the device(e.g., the slot machine) and may thereby recognize that the mobiledevice is in proximity to the device (e.g., the slot machine). Invarious embodiments, one or more sensors may detect the presence of themobile gaming device via signals emitted or transmitted from the mobilegaming device. The sensors may not be associated with a device (e.g.,with a slot machine). The sensors may be in communication with thecentral server. Thus, using signals detected from sensors, and possiblyusing triangulation or other location algorithms, the central server maydetect the presence of the mobile gaming device.

In various embodiments, once the central server recognizes that a mobilegaming device is in proximity to a device (e.g., a slot machine), thecentral server may arrange for the device to participate in a promotionto be presented by the mobile gaming device. For example, the centralserver may instruct both the mobile gaming device and the device (e.g.,the slot machine) to present a promotion at the same time. For example,the mobile gaming device may present an audio and a video portion of apromotion while the nearby device (e.g., the slot machine) may present avideo sequence as part of the promotion. In various embodiments, whenthe central server recognizes that a mobile gaming device and a device(e.g., a slot machine) are in proximity, the central server maydetermine whether it is appropriate that the device (e.g., the slotmachine) participate in a promotion to be presented by the mobile gamingdevice. For example, the central server may determine whether sound tobe broadcast by the device would be audible to the player of the mobilegaming device given the ambient noise levels in the casino. As anotherexample, the central server may determine whether or not the device iscurrently occupied and therefore whether the device should be used atall in presenting the promotion.

In various embodiments, a device (e.g., a slot machine) may be the solepresenter of a promotion. The mobile gaming device may not be involvedin presenting a promotion to a player. However, the mobile gaming devicemay signal the device (e.g., the slot machine) to make the presentation.For example, a player with a mobile gaming device may walk by a slotmachine. The mobile gaming device may transmit a signal to the slotmachine to present a promotion. Accordingly, the slot machine maypresent video, audio, or other information associated with thepromotion. In the meantime, the mobile gaming device may continue toallow the player to play a game without the mobile gaming devicebecoming involved in the promotion. In various embodiments, two or moredevices may be involved in presenting a promotion to a player. Themobile device may not be involved in the presentation. However, themobile device may signal to the devices to present material inaccordance with the promotion.

1.9. Message about where to go to get something. For example, the mobiledevice knows where you are and can tell you if you’re near the jewelrystore and what you can get there. In various embodiments, a promotionmay include a message indicating where a product or service may bebought, used, or experienced. For example, a mobile gaming device maypresent a text message to a player indicating that there is a jewelrystore to the right of the player. For example, a mobile gaming devicemay present an audio message to a player indicating that there is a showplaying around the corner. In various embodiments, when a player with amobile gaming device walks near a retail store or other locality ofinterest, a promotion may be triggered. The promotion may relate to thatlocality.

2. Mediums. Places where promotions may be placed. Images or videosassociated with promotions may be presented in various places. Imagesand videos associated with promotions may be presented on a displayscreen of a mobile gaming device. Images and videos may be presented onthe display screen in different places, and under differentcircumstances. For example, an image may be presented in the foregroundor background, during a game or between games. Other outputs associatedwith promotions may also be presented in various ways.

2.1. Symbols. In various embodiments, images or video associated with apromotion may be put on a symbol. In various embodiments, images orvideo associated with a promotion may make up the whole of a symbol. Forexample, an image of a soda drink may make up a symbol. Symbols withsuch images or videos may function in a game just as any other symbol.For example, in a slot machine game, the alignment of three like symbolsmay allow a player to win a prize. Images or video associated with apromotion may be put on cards; game tokens (e.g., a game token thatmoves around a board in a game of Monopoly® may take the form of animage of a luxury car brand); game characters (e.g., a bidder in anauction game may take the form of an animated Clorox™ box); tokens ofvalue (e.g., when a player of a game opens a treasure chest, threesparkling Rolex® watches may be revealed); and so on.

2.2. The background, e.g., background graphics. Images or videoassociated with a promotion may appear as background graphics on thedisplay screen of a mobile gaming device. For example, the parts of thescreen that are not occupied by graphics related to a game may beoccupied by images or video related to a promotion.

2.3. Signs. Images or video associated with a promotion may appear onsigns or other landmarks in a virtual world associated with a game. Forexample, a game played on a mobile gaming device may feature a virtualworld with racing cars. The cars may pass billboards in the virtualworld. The billboards may include images promoting products or services.

2.4. Chip faces, such as the faces on gaming chips. In variousembodiments, images or video associated with a promotion may appear ongaming chips. Such gaming chips may be actual, physical gaming chips,such as those used in table games at casinos. Such gaming chips may alsoinclude chips used in a game played on a computing device, such as on amobile gaming device. For example, a player may engage in a game ofpoker using his mobile gaming device. Gaming chips which are graphicallydepicted in the game may include images associated with a promotion,such as images of products or services.

2.5. Cards. In various embodiments, images or video associated with apromotion may appear on cards. Such gaming cards may be actual, physicalcards, such as those used in table games of poker or blackjack. Suchcards may also include cards used in a game played on a computingdevice, such as on a mobile gaming device. For example, a player mayengage in a game of poker using his mobile gaming device. Cards whichare graphically depicted in the game may include images associated witha promotion, such as images of products or services.

2.6. Audio. In various embodiments, the audio outputs of a mobile gamingdevice may be used as part of a promotion. The audio outputs maybroadcast songs, jingles, voice, tunes, narrative, sounds of products(e.g., the sounds of a horse stamping in an advertisement for horse-backriding).

2.7. Promotions appear in a bonus round. The whole theme of the bonusround could be based on the promotions. In various embodiments images orvideo associated with a promotion may appear in the bonus round of agame. The bonus round may include any game sequence that is not part ofthe normal flow of the game, and in which a player has the opportunityto win unusual amounts of credits. For example, in a Wheel of Fortune®game, a bonus round may include a spin of a simulated wheel in which aplayer is given the opportunity to win large prizes posted on the wheel.Promotional images may be displayed in the background of a bonus roundscene. Promotional images may also function as characters or game tokensin a bonus round. For example, a cereal box may be the main character inbonus round, with the cereal box moving around a game board and landingon squares which win money for the player. In various embodiments thetheme of a bonus round may center around a particular promotion. Forexample, a bonus round set in a chocolate factory may be designed topromote the Mars company. In various embodiments, audio associated witha promotion may be broadcast during a bonus round. For example, thehissing sound of a soft drink bottle opening may be broadcast wheneverthe player has won more money in the bonus round.

2.8. Pop-up ads. In various embodiments, pop-up boxes or windows may beused to display videos or images associated with promotions. Pop-upboxes or windows may include separate windows that appear on a display(e.g., on the display screen of the mobile gaming device) withoutprompting from a player. Images or video associated with the promotionmay be displayed within the pop-up boxes or windows.

2.9. Housing. In various embodiments, promotions may be placed on acasing, housing, or other hardware components of a mobile gaming device.For example, the housing of a mobile gaming device may be decorated inthe coloring of a Coca-Cola can. In various embodiments, promotions maybe put on accessories of a mobile gaming device, such as on a leathercase of an iPod, such as on the holster of a Blackberry™, such as on adock of an iPod, or on any other accessory.

2.10. Constraints. Symbols have inherent constraints. For example, theyconsist of graphics. Symbols might be only certain pixel dimensions,such as 20 × 20 pixels. In various embodiments, a particular medium orslot for the display of images or video may have inherent constraints.Accordingly, a marketer who wishes to use such a medium or slot for thepresentation of a promotion may have to devise images or video whichsatisfy the constraints presented by the medium. For example, an imageassociated with a promotion may take the place of (or may serve as) asymbol in a reeled slot game. As the symbol may occupy only a smallportion of the area of the display screen, the image or video associatedwith the promotion may likewise be constrained to occupy only that smallarea of the display screen. The symbol may have a stated constraint interms of size. For example, the symbol may occupy an area of 0.36 squareinches, or an area of 20 by 20 pixels. Any image or video that is toserve as a symbol must thus be confined to the stated area limits. Invarious embodiments an image or video associated with a promotion isconstrained to occupy a certain area. The area may be measured in termsof square inches, dimensions, square millimeters, or in terms of anyother units. In various embodiments, the central server or other partyselling promotional opportunities to marketers may publish or otherwiseinform potential marketers of the constraints placed on various types ofpromotions. For example, the central server may list available places todisplay images or video and may list corresponding size constraints. Forexample, the following may be a partial list of mediums and constraints:(a) symbol, 20 × 20 pixels; (b) billboard in bonus round, 30 × 50pixels; (c) background left side of screen, 70 × 20 pixels; (d)background top of screen, 20 × 80 pixels; and so on. In variousembodiments, the cost to a marketer of displaying an image or video maybe based, at least in part, on the display area of the image or video.For example, the cost to the advertiser may be proportional to thedisplay area of the image or video. In various embodiments, the cost tothe marketer for a promotion may depend on other factors as well, suchas the duration for which a promotion is presented, the point in a gameat which a promotion is presented, the number of times a promotion ispresented (e.g., the cost per presentation may go down if there aremultiple presentations), and so on.

In various embodiments, there may be time constraints placed on apromotion. For example, a promotion must last no more than 3 seconds.Thus, any video associated with the promotion may be constrained tolasting no more than 3 seconds. Also, any audio associated with thepromotion may be constrained to lasting no more than 3 seconds. Invarious embodiments, the cost to a marketer for having a promotionpresented may depend, at least in part, on the duration of thepromotion.

In various embodiments, an image may be constrained to be at least acertain size, or to occupy at least a certain area. For example, animage may be constrained to be at least 20 by 20 pixels. In this way,the casino server can ensure that empty space is kept to a minimum on adisplay screen. Similarly a video may be constrained to take up at leasta certain amount of area. In various embodiments, an image or video maybe constrained to be exactly a particular size. In various embodiments,an audio clip associated with a promotion may be constrained to beexactly a particular duration. In this way, the casino server may ensurethat there is no undesired quiet time.

3. Player indicates his preferences in advertising. In variousembodiments, a player may influence the promotions that are presented tohim. When the player has an input into which promotions are presented tohim, the player may be more likely to respond positively to thepromotions.

3.1. In a game with advertising on various game elements, the playerselects the category, genre, brand or other rubric from which ads areselected. This information on player ad preferences may itself bevaluable since the player has just answered a survey question. Forexample, when the game is about to start, the opening screen can displaythree options (e.g., three large boxes with descriptive text andgraphics) to be picked using the touch screen. In various embodiments, aplayer may indicate a type, category, or other limitation on apromotion. Promotions may then be presented to the player based on theindicated type or category. Such a type or category may represent apreference of the player. For example, the player may prefer to seevacation related commercials, car related commercials, or food relatedcommercials. In indicating a category of promotion, player may indicate:(a) a type of product; (b) a type of service; (c) a price range for aproduct or service; (d) a brand; (e) a manufacturer; (f) a format of thepromotion (e.g., the promotion is a movie trailer; e.g., the promotionshould last only five seconds; e.g., the promotion may be aninfomercial; e.g., the promotion should be video; e.g., the promotionshould be audio); (g) a particular product (e.g., the player may wish tosee a promotion about a Mercedes of a particular model and year); (h) aparticular cause (e.g., the player may wish to see promotions forproducts or charities that benefit a particular cause, such as theenvironment); (i) a particular attribute of a product (e.g., the playermay indicate that he/she wishes to see only red clothes); (j) a retailer(e.g., the player may indicate the he/she wishes to see products fromMacy’s); (k) whether a promotion will promote a particular product orservice or just be informational; and so on.

In various embodiments, a player may indicate a category of promotion invarious ways. When first receiving a mobile gaming device, a player mayindicate a category of promotion. The player may indicate a category byinforming a casino representative. The casino representative may thenprogram a setting onto the mobile gaming device such that the mobilegaming device only presents promotions of the category indicated by theplayer. The player may also make an indication using the mobile gamingdevice. For example, the player may select a category of promotion froma menu, from a series of check boxes, or from a text box. Using a textbox, a player may key in a category of promotion, or any description ofa promotion the player so desires. For example, the player may key in,“show me things to do in Kansas during August”. In various embodiments,the player may go through two or more rounds of specifying a promotion.For example, the player may first specify a broad category such asautomobiles. The player may then specify a narrower category, such as“cars” or “trucks”.

In various embodiments, a player may indicate category of promotion viathe Internet. For example, prior to a casino visit, a player may visitthe Internet. The player may navigate a series of menus, checkboxes,text boxes, or other input mediums in order to specify a category ofpromotion. The indicated category of promotions may be stored by thecasino server. The casino server may then ensure that, while playing,the player is only presented with promotions falling under the givencategory. In various embodiments, the mobile gaming device may filterout promotions so that only those of a category indicated by a playerare presented to the player. In various embodiments, promotions of acategory related to that selected by the player may be presented to theplayer.

In various embodiments, a player may indicate a new category ofpromotions sometime during the course of a playing session. For example,a player may indicate that she is no longer interested in see promotionsrelated to jewelry, and instead would like to see promotions related topurses. A mobile gaming device may include a menu or icon that isaccessible during a playing session. The player may access such a menuor icon to indicate a change to the category of promotion.

In various embodiments, a player may first see one or more promotions.The player may then indicate whether he would like to see additional,similar promotions, or whether he would like to see promotions of adifferent type. Based on his response, new promotions may be presentedto the player. The player may once again be asked whether he would liketo see similar promotions or promotions of a different type. In thisway, the casino server may iteratively arrive at a category of promotionthat is of interest to the player.

In various embodiments, a player may indicate a category of promotion.The promotions presented to the player may or may not then all conformto the indicated category. For example, the casino server may notnecessarily have an inventory of promotions to present to the player ofthe category indicated by the player. In various embodiments, the casinoserver may determine promotions that are deemed to most closely fallwithin the category indicated by a player, even if such promotions donot directly fall within the category indicated by the player. Forexample, the player may indicate a desire to see promotions related tovacationing in the Bahamas. The casino may not have any promotionsdirectly on topic. However, the casino may have promotions related tovacationing in the Virgin Islands. Thus, the casino may present suchpromotions to the player. The casino may employ algorithms forassociating related concepts. The algorithms may learn from thepreferences indicated by players. For example, if a given playerindicates that he wishes to be presented with promotions related toconcept A and concept B, then the algorithms may associate concept Awith concept B. In the future, if another player indicates he wished tobe presented with promotions related to concept A, the casino server maypresent to the player promotions related to concept B. As will beappreciated, many algorithms could be used for deriving associationsbetween concepts. Any such algorithm might be used for choosingpromotions to present to a player, in various embodiments.

In various embodiments, a player may indicate a category of promotion.By indicating such a category, the player may reveal himself to be apotential customer of a merchant who would create a promotion fallingwithin the indicated category. For example, a player may indicate thathe wishes to view promotions for luxury cars. By providing such anindication, the player may reveal himself to be a potential buyer ofluxury cars. The knowledge that the player is a potential buyer ofluxury cars may be of value to a dealer or manufacturer of luxury cars.Thus, in various embodiments, if a merchant deals in a category of goodsor services and a player has indicated a preference to view promotionsrelated to that category, then the casino may provide the merchant withthe player’s contact information. The merchant may then be able to sendfurther promotions to the player. For example, the merchant may be ableto send promotions to the home of the player. In some embodiments, amerchant may pay the casino to provide the contact information of aplayer who has indicated interest in seeing promotions in a category inwhich the merchant’s products fall.

In some embodiments, a merchant may not be given direct contactinformation for a player who has shown interest in promotions fallingwithin the merchant’s area of business. Rather, the casino may forwardpromotions from the merchant to the player, even after the player hasleft the confines of the casino. For example, the merchant may send apromotional email to the casino, and the casino may forward thepromotional email to the player. In this way, the player’s contactinformation may be kept from the merchant, and the player’s privacy maybe maintained.

In various embodiments, a player may indicate a particular category ofpromotion. The casino may then find marketers who might be expected torun promotions falling under that category. For example, a player mayindicate he wishes to see promotions related to car insurance. Thecasino may then find various car insurance companies. The casino mayinvite the marketers to promote to the player. In various embodiments,the casino may provide a general description of the player to amarketer. For example, the casino may provide the marketer with an age,income level, and / or other demographic characteristic of the player.The information about the player that is provided to the marketer mayaid the marketer in deciding whether or not to promote to the player.Based on information about the player, marketers may determine whetheror not they wish to promote to the player. For example, a marketer maydecide based on the age of a player whether or not the player would belikely to purchase the marketer’s product. The marketer may make adecision as to whether or not to promote to a player simply based on thefact that the player has shown interest in a particular category ofpromotion. In various embodiments, the casino may quote a price to themarketer to promote to a particular player. The marketer may accept orreject the offer to promote. In various embodiments, the casino mayquote a range of prices, each price corresponding to differentlimitations on the promotions. For example, a first price may be quotedfor placing a symbol on a reel, a second price may be quoted for fillingthe whole screen with a 30-second video, and so on.

In various embodiments, the casino may solicit bids from marketers topresent promotions to a particular player. The marketers that place thehighest bids for a given medium or slot may be given the opportunity topresent a promotion to the player. In various embodiments, more than onemarketer who bids may be given the opportunity to promote to a player.The marketers with the higher bids may be given preferential slots. Forexample, the marketer with the highest bid may be given the largestscreen area in which to promote. For example, the marketer with thehighest bid may be given the longest time slot in which to have apromotion presented.

In various embodiments, the casino server may contain an inventory ofpromotions that are available to present to a player. The casino servermay store rules (e.g., rules provided by the sponsor of the promotion)which describe the criteria for presenting the promotions. A promotionmay be stored as one or more computer files, including image files,audio files, video files, and so on. In various embodiments, the casinomay request promotions from marketers. For example, upon receiving anindication of a category of promotion from a player, the casino maysolicit promotions from marketers who might wish to present promotionsfalling within the indicated category.

3.2. Sponsors or marketers may inform a player as to what sponsoredoutcomes he can get. “Pick Pepsi and get free spins”. In variousembodiments, a player may be informed of a benefit he can receive inexchange for agreeing to view a promotion. In various embodiments, aplayer may be informed of a benefit he can receive in exchange foragreeing to view a category of promotion. In various embodiments, amarketer may be willing to compensate a player for viewing or listeningto a promotion. The compensation may take a number of forms.Compensation may include: (a) money; (b) gaming chips or gaming credits;(c) increased odds of winning; (d) higher payouts (e.g., a jackpot maybe increased); (e) reduced costs of wagering (e.g., a player may begiven the opportunity to make a wager for $5 that would normally havebeen $10); (f) a free game (e.g., a free spin at a slot machine; e.g., afree game of video poker); (g) a free opportunity to enter the bonusround; (h) hints given in a game (e.g., in a game of video poker, aplayer may receive hints);(i) a free or discounted music download; (j) afree or discounted software download; (k) a free or discounted ring-tonedownload; (1) a download of a video, cartoon, movie trailer, animation,television pilot episode, news clip, or other sequence; (1) a cashlessgaming ticket; (m) a ticket to a show; (n) a ticket to a movie; (o)complementary (comp) points; (p) a voucher; (q) a gift certificate; (r)a voucher for a free meal; (s) a free or discounted stay in a hotelroom; and any other benefits. A marketer may provide any benefit eitherdirectly or indirectly to a player. In various embodiments, a marketermay directly provide cash to a player in exchange for the playeragreeing to view a promotion of the marketer. In various embodiments, amarketer may provide compensation to the casino, and the casino may inturn provide a benefit to the player, such as increased odds of winning.The compensation provided to the casino may be equal to the expectedcost to the casino of providing the benefit to the player.

In various embodiments, two or more marketers may contribute to abenefit which will be provided to a player. For example, each of twoautomobile manufacturers may contribute a portion of the benefit thatwill be provided to a player for viewing automobile related promotions.

In various embodiments, a player may receive a fixed benefit from thecasino for agreeing to be presented with promotions. The casino may thensell to marketers opportunities to present promotions to the player. Thecasino may attempt to sell such opportunities for as much money as itcan get. The casino may profit from the difference in value between thebenefit provided to the player and the amounts received from themarketers.

In various embodiments, a player may be presented with a table or otherlisting of benefits he might receive, together with criteria forreceiving the benefits. For example, a table may include a first columnlisting different categories of promotion. A second column in the tablemay list benefits the player would receive in exchange for beingpresented with such promotions. For example, a line in the table mightlist, “Watch Pepsi Ads” as the category of promotions, and “Get 10 FreeSpins” as the benefit.

4. Triggers for promotions. Promotions may be presented at various timesand under various circumstances. In one situation, a player may beengaged in playing a game on the mobile gaming device. A promotion maybe presented to the player on the screen while the game is occurring(e.g., the promotion is presented as a symbol; e.g., the promotion ispresented on screen space to the side of the screen space displaying thegame), on the screen between games, on the screen while a resolution ofa game is pending, as an audio broadcast during the game, and so on. Inone situation, a player may not be engaged in playing a game andpromotions may be presented to on the mobile gaming device. Promotionsmay be presented continuously, periodically, sporadically, when themobile gaming device comes to a particular location, and so on.

4.1. Broadcasting of advertising content to others physically near aplayer. If a player is near others, the volume on your device can go upso that others hear the advertising on your device. “You have just won aFREE COKE”. In various embodiments, a promotion may be triggered by thepresence of a nearby human being. The nearby human being may be someoneother than the player of the mobile gaming device which is presentingthe promotion. For example, if the mobile gaming device detects thepresence of a human being other than the player, the mobile gamingdevice may broadcast a promotion. In various embodiments, the mobilegaming device may broadcast a promotion in response to the presence ofany human being, including the player of the mobile gaming device. Amobile gaming device may detect the presence of another human being invarious ways. The mobile gaming device may include a microphone. Themicrophone may pick up ambient audio signals. The mobile gaming devicemay analyze ambient audio signals for tell-tell human sounds, such asthe sound of a voice, the sound of breathing, the sound of steps, and soon. For example, the mobile gaming device may use special software whichis tuned to recognize voice signals. The mobile gaming device mayrecognize the presence of humans by other means. For example, the mobilegaming device may include a heat or infrared sensor. The mobile gamingdevice may use such a sensor to pick up the heat signatures of humans.In various embodiments, the mobile gaming device may include a camera.The camera may periodically snap pictures of its surroundings. Themobile gaming device may include image processing software for analyzingthe pictures. The image processing software may have the capability torecognize images associated with humans. In various embodiments, themobile gaming device may recognize the presence of humans via devicesassociated with the humans. For example, the mobile gaming device mayrecognize the signal from a nearby cell phone, e.g., by receiving thesignal at an antenna associated with the mobile gaming device.Presumably, the cell phone is being carried by a human. Thus, byrecognizing the presence of a cell phone, the mobile gaming device maybe indirectly recognizing the presence of a human. In variousembodiments, the mobile gaming device may recognize the presence ofanother mobile gaming device. Presumably, the other mobile gaming deviceis being held or carried by another human. Thus, by recognizing anothermobile gaming device, the first mobile gaming device may indirectlyrecognize the presence of another human.

In various embodiments, upon recognizing the presence of another human,the mobile gaming device may present a promotion. The promotion maythereby have the chance of being perceived not only by the player of themobile gaming device, but also by the other human who is in proximity tothe mobile gaming device. The effect of the promotion may thereby beamplified.

In various embodiments, upon recognizing the presence of another human,the mobile gaming device may increase the volume with which a promotionis presented. The increased volume may make it more likely that theother human will perceive the promotion.

In various embodiments, upon recognizing the presence of another human,the mobile gaming device may increase the brightness of a display.Increasing the brightness of its display may make it more likely thatthe other human may perceive the graphics on the display. Such graphicsmay include graphics associated with promotions.

4.2. Broadcasting with more light in a brightly-lit environment (e.g.,in the pool). In various embodiments, a mobile gaming device mayincrease the brightness of its display based on the strength of ambientlight. For example, the mobile gaming device may increase the brightnessof its display as the brightness of ambient light increases. Forexample, the mobile gaming device may make its display bright if themobile gaming device is outside in the sunlight, while the mobile gamingdevice may make its display dimmer when the mobile gaming device iswithin a casino. In various embodiments, a mobile gaming device mayinclude a light sensor. The sensor may detect ambient light conditions.Based on readings from the sensor, the mobile gaming device may eitherincrease or decrease the brightness of its display. In variousembodiments, increasing the brightness of a display may make it easierfor a player of the mobile gaming device to perceive promotions and/orother graphics while in the presence of bright light. In variousembodiments, decreasing the brightness of its display may allow themobile gaming device to increase battery life. Thus, in variousembodiments, the mobile gaming device may decrease the brightness of itsdisplay in areas where a bright display is not needed, such as indoors.

4.3. Somebody near you wins. For example, someone on slot machine nearbywins. Your mobile device says, “You can have that too, if you’lljust...” In various embodiments, a promotion may be presented to a firstplayer of a mobile gaming device based on the game results of a nearbyplayer. The nearby player may be a player of a slot machine, video pokermachine, mobile gaming device, or any other gaming device. The nearbyplayer may have just: (a) won a game; (b) won a large payout (e.g., apayout of 40 or more coins); (c) won a jackpot; (d) entered into a bonusround; (e) had a near miss; (f) lost a game; (g) run out of money; (h)cashed out; or may have been involved in any other game event oroutcome. Based on the game event, result, or outcome of the nearbyplayer, promotion may be presented to the first player.

In various embodiments, if the nearby player has had a favorableoutcome, then a promotion may be presented to the first player. Thepromotion may offer the first player the opportunity to experience asimilar outcome as has the nearby player, if the first player will onlyengage in some activity. The activity may include viewing adadvertisement or presentation, test driving an automobile, answering asurvey question, testing or sampling a product or service, providingsome information about him or herself (e.g., demographic information),providing contact information about himself, providing contactinformation about another person (e.g., a friend; e.g., a familymember), and so on. Thus, for example, the first player may have theopportunity to experience an outcome similar to the outcome that thenearby player has just experienced if the first player would only view aten-minute promotion on his mobile gaming device and answer two surveyquestions related to the promotion.

In various embodiments, a mobile gaming device may determine the resultsor outcomes of a nearby player in various ways. The mobile gaming devicemay transmit to the casino server its location. The casino server maydetermine a gaming device that is proximate to the location of themobile gaming device. The casino server may determine an outcome thathas just occurred at the gaming device. The casino server may transmitto the mobile gaming device an indication of the outcome.

If the first player accepts the offer of his mobile gaming device, thenthe mobile gaming device may allow the first player to engage in theactivity. For example, the mobile gaming device may present a ten-minutepromotion and then present survey questions about the promotion for thefirst player to answer. Once the first player has successfully engagedin the activity, the mobile gaming device may provide the first playerwith the same outcome as had been achieved by the nearby player. Forexample, if the nearby player had won a payout of 50 credits, the firstplayer may be given 50 credits. For example, if the nearby player hadwon entry into a bonus round, then the first player may be given entryinto the bonus round.

4.4. You win an outcome. In various embodiments, a promotion may bepresented to a player if the player has achieved a winning outcome. Apromotion may be presented to a player if the player has: (a) received apositive payout; (b) received a payout that is greater than the amountwagered; (c) received a payout that exceeds a certain threshold (e.g.,10 coins); (d) achieved entry into a bonus round; and so on. The timewhen a player achieves a winning outcome may be an opportune time topresent a promotion to the player, because the player may be in a goodmood. The player may thereby be more receptive to the message of thepromotion. The player may also transfer the positive feelings associatedwith the winning outcome to the subject of the promotion. For example,if a particular brand of potato chips is presented to a player rightafter the player has achieved a winning outcome, then the player mayassociate those potato chips with the positive feeling of winnings.

In various embodiments, a marketer may pay more to have its promotionpresented if the promotion is presented following a winning outcome.This may occur because the player may be more likely to have positivefeelings associated with the promotion following a winning outcome thanfollowing a non-winning outcome. Thus, in various embodiments, amarketer may pay a first amount to have a presentation promoted at afirst time not following a winning outcome and may pay a second amountwhich is greater than the first amount to have the promotion presentedat a second time following a winning outcome.

4.5. You win a big payout. In various embodiments, a promotion may bepresented to a player if the player has won a large payout. A largepayout may be defined as a payout exceeding X credits, where X may bee.g., 50, 100, 1000, or any threshold number of credits. In variousembodiments, a large payout may be defined as a payout whose quantity isgreater than X multiple of the amount wagered, where the multiple may bee.g., 50, 100, 1000, or any threshold multiple.

4.6. You win a certain amount. In various embodiments, a promotion maybe presented to a player if the player has won a certain aggregateamount. The aggregate amount may represent total payouts over a certainperiod less amounts wagered. The aggregate amount may represent totalpayouts regardless of amounts wagered. For example, a promotion may bepresented to a player if the player has won 100 coins net of amountswagered over the past hour.

4.7. You have a near miss. In various embodiments, a promotion may bepresented to a player if the player has had a near miss. For example, ifthe player has achieved four cards to a royal flush, if a person hasachieved four out of five required jackpot symbols, or if a person haslanded one spot away on a spinning wheel from the jackpot space, theplayer may be presented with a promotion. The promotion may read, “Oh,so close - well, at least you can rent a car for only $20 per day atJim’s car rental.” In some embodiments, a promotion may offer the playerthe chance to achieve the missed outcome if the player will perform someactivity. For example, if the player agrees to spend a day in a cabin ina retirement community, the player may receive a payout as if he hadachieved the nearly missed outcome.

4.8. Location. In various embodiments, a promotion may be triggered bythe location of a player. In various embodiments, a promotion may bepresented to a player if the player is in a first location, but not ifthe player is in a second location. In various embodiments, a firstpromotion may be presented to a player if the player is in a firstlocation, and a second promotion may be presented to the player if theplayer is in a second location. In various embodiments, a promotion maybe presented to a player if the mobile gaming device of the player is ina particular location. The player may be assumed to be in the samelocation as the player.

4.8.1. Walk by a store. In various embodiments, a promotion may betriggered as a mobile gaming device comes into the proximity of a store.The promotion may show images or video depicting products in the store.The promotion may present text descriptions of store items. Thepromotion may describe available discounts within the store. In variousembodiments, a promotion may be triggered as a mobile gaming devicecomes into proximity of any retailer, such as a store, a restaurant, aroadside stand, a gas station, a car repair shop, and so on. Proximitymay be defined, in various embodiments, as being within 100 feet, asbeing on the same block, as being within sight, as being within walkingdistance, as being within a mile, as being directly in front of, or asany other appropriate distance range.

In various embodiments, a promotion may include an offer of a benefit ifthe player of the mobile gaming device walks into the retailer, buys aproduct at the retailer, tests a product at the retailer, or otherwiseinteracts with the retailer. The benefit offered may include: (a) money;(b) gaming chips or gaming credits; (c) increased odds of winning; (d)higher payouts (e.g., a jackpot may be increased); (e) reduced costs ofwagering (e.g., a player may be given the opportunity to make a wagerfor $5 that would normally have been $10); (f) a free game (e.g., a freespin at a slot machine; e.g., a free game of video poker); (g) a freeopportunity to enter the bonus round; (h) hints given in a game (e.g.,in a game of video poker, a player may receive hints); and so on. Thus,for example, a player of a mobile gaming device may receive an offer of10 free spins in a game of slots if he walks into a retailer.

In various embodiments, a representative of a retailer, such as a storeowner or manager, may be informed as a mobile gaming device approachesthe store. The representative of the retailer may have the opportunityto decide on an offer for the player in substantially real time. Forexample, the representative may determine whether any items in the storeare currently overstocked. The representative may accordingly offer theplayer a special discount on such items. The representative may also begiven information about the player. For example, the representative mayreceive information about the player’s age, race, marital status,gender, and so on. The representative may also receive information aboutrecent outcomes achieved by the player. The representative may use suchinformation in tailoring a promotion for the player. For example, if theplayer is a man, the store owner may offer him a discount on a tie. Ifthe player is a woman, the store owner may offer her a discount on ablouse. The mobile gaming device may transmit information about theplayer to nearby stores, thus allowing store representatives to learninformation about the player. In various embodiments, the mobile gamingdevice may transmit to a nearby retailer a player identifier, such as aplayer name. The retailer may transmit to the casino server the playeridentifier. The retailer may thereupon receive from the casino serverfurther information about the player. Information received about aplayer may include: (a) the last outcome achieved by the player; (b) thelast large outcome received by the player; (c) total winnings for theplayer in the past X period of time (e.g., total winnings for the playerin the last 10 minutes, the last day, the last hour, the last two days,etc.); (d) net or gross winnings for a player in the last X period oftime; and so on.

In various embodiments, a retailer may include a retail computer orretail server. The computer or server may execute algorithms fordetermining a promotion for a passing player. The promotion may bedetermined based on conditions within the store. The promotion may alsobe determined based on information received about the player. Forexample, the promotion may be determined based on whether the player hasrecently won a significant amount of money while gambling. For example,if a player has won a large amount of money recently, the store maypromote to the player a relatively expensive product. The idea behindthe promotion may be that the player is in a good spending mood in lightof his recent good fortune. The retail server may receive signals fromthe mobile gaming device and/or from the casino server, with suchsignals describing information about the player. The retail server mayuse such information to automatically determine a promotion for theplayer. The promotion may be automatically transmitted to the mobilegaming device of the player. The promotion may then appear on the screenof the mobile gaming device. The promotion may be broadcast usingspeakers of the mobile gaming device. In various embodiments, the retailserver may determine a promotion for the player. The retail server maydisplay an indication of the promotion to a representative of theretailer. The representative may then communicate the promotion to theplayer. For example, the representative may walk out in front of theretail establishment, greet the player, and present the promotion to theplayer (e.g., offer the player a discount on a product within thestore).

In various embodiments, a retailer and/or the casino server may trackpurchase data from players. For example, the retailer and/or the casinoserver may maintain a database. The database may include informationabout a player coupled with data describing an amount a player spent(e.g., on products or services), a type of product purchased by theplayer (e.g., clothes; e.g., shoes; e.g., jewelry); whether or not aplayer tested a product or service, whether or not a player walked intoa store, whether or not a player indicated interest in an item, and soon. Data about a player may include data describing player demographics,including age, race, gender, income, marital status, and so on. Dataabout the player may also include data about gambling results of theplayer, possibly including recent outcomes achieved, recent amounts won,amounts won in the last X period of time, total payouts less totalamounts wagered in the last X period of time, amounts wagered, amountswagered per game, and so on. The database may thus include demographicinformation about a player, information about the gambling results ofthe player, and purchasing results of the player. The database maycontain such information about a large number of players. For example,the database may contain one record for each player. Each record mayinclude information about a player’s demographics, purchasinginformation, and information about gambling results achieved.

In various embodiments, an algorithm may be used to derive correlationsbetween two types of information such as purchasing decisions and gamingoutcomes achieved prior to the purchasing decision. For example,algorithms may be used to determine correlations between amounts wonwhile gaming during a given period of time, and amounts spent at aretailer following the period of time. The output of the algorithm mightindicate, for example, that the more a player wins during the hour priorto visiting a retail store, the more the player is likely to spend atthe retail store.

In general, given historical information about players’ gaming outcomesand purchasing decisions, and given information about a particularplayer’s recent gaming performance (or gaming performance over more thanjust the recent past), algorithms may be used to predict the particularplayer’s likely purchasing decisions. Such algorithms may be used topredict a player’s likely response to promotions. For example, arepresentative of a retail establishment may receive information aboutan approaching player. The information may indicate that the player haswon a jackpot in the last hour. The retailer may key that informationinto a predictive algorithm. The algorithm may tell the retailer thatthe player is more likely than a typical person to want to purchase anexpensive item. The algorithm may further recommend an item to offer tothe player. The algorithm may have access to a database or other listingof store items. The algorithm may have access to a database or otherlisting of prices, costs, or other measures of value of store items.Based on predictions of the player’s spending and based on thedescriptions of items and their values, the algorithm may determinewhich item to offer to the player. The algorithm may output a testdescription of such item to the store representative. The representativemay approach the player and inform the player that this item isavailable and even that the player may receive a special discount on theitem. In some embodiments, the algorithm may transmit a promotiondirectly to the mobile gaming device of the approaching player. Forexample, the algorithm may transmit a promotion indicating that a finecoat is available only to that player for $700.

In various embodiments, data recorded about a player may include datadescribing promotions presented to the player. Data recorded and/orstored may further include data describing a player’s reaction to thepromotions presented to him. Algorithms may be used to correlateinformation about the players’ recent gaming outcomes to players’reactions to promotions. For example, an algorithm may find that aplayer is more likely to respond to humor-based promotions when theplayer has just won money, and that a player is more likely to respondto value-based promotions when the player has just lost money. Thus,algorithms may be used to predict which promotion or type of promotionwould be most effective given a player’s recent gaming outcomes.

In various embodiments, information about a player’s gaming outcomes maybe received at a retail computer from the player’s mobile gaming device.In various embodiments, information about a player’s gaming outcomes maybe received at a retail computer from the casino server. In variousembodiments, algorithms used to predict which products a player mightlike to purchase may be executed by the casino server. In variousembodiments, algorithms used to predict which products a player mightlike to purchase may be executed by a retail server. Such algorithmsmay, in various embodiments, be executed by the player’s mobile gamingdevice. In various embodiments, one or more human representatives maywork in conjunction with predictive algorithms in order to determine aparticular promotion for a player. For example, a predictive algorithmmay determine a price range of a product that should be offered to aplayer. Based on that price range, a representative may determine aparticular product to offer to the player, given the representative’sknowledge of different product pricing. As another example, a predictivealgorithm may determine a type of promotion (e.g., video; e.g., audio;e.g., still image; e.g., 30-second; e.g., 5-second; e.g., offer of adiscount; etc.). A human, such as a representative of a retailer, maydetermine the exact promotion to send to the player. In variousembodiments, a human may make a live presentation of a promotion. Forexample, a representative of a retailer may call a player on his mobilegaming device. The mobile gaming device may, for example, function as acellular telephone. The human may make a sales pitch to the player. Ahuman may also present a promotion via text. In various embodiments, thedetermination and presentation of a promotion may be done automatically,without any human intervention. For example, a player with a mobilegaming device may approach a retail store while walking in the hallwaysof a mall. The mobile gaming device may detect its own coordinates usingan internal positioning system. The mobile gaming device may transmitits coordinates to a casino server. The casino server, based on thecoordinates, may determine that the mobile gaming device is near to aparticular retail store. The casino server may have previously receivedinformation about gaming outcomes of the player via signal from themobile gaming device. The casino server may thereupon use informationabout the player’s recent gaming outcomes, together with informationabout the products at the retail store, to derive a promotion for theplayer. The casino server may transmit such a promotion to the player.In some embodiments, the casino server may transmit the promotion to theretail store. The retail store may then relay the promotion to themobile gaming device of the player. As will be appreciated, informationabout a player, such as information about outcomes achieved by theplayer, may be received at various locations, such as at a retail storeor at a casino server. Similarly, as will be appreciated, a promotioncan be determined at several places, including at a casino server,mobile gaming device, or at a retail store. The promotion may betransmitted to the mobile gaming device of the player from severalplaces, such as from the retail store or from the casino server. Invarious embodiments, the mobile gaming device may store informationinternally about a retail store. For example, the mobile gaming devicemay store possible promotions that might be available from a retailstore. The mobile gaming device, based on gaming results of the playerof the mobile gaming device, may determine which of the internallystored promotions to actually present to a player. The mobile gamingdevice may employ predictive algorithms in making the presentation.

In various embodiments, information about purchasing habits of playersmay be shared among retail establishments. For example, a large databasemay be assembled from data gathered at several retail establishments.The database may include records for various players, some of whom havemade purchases at a first retail establishment, and some of whom havemade purchases at a second retail establishment. The larger sample sizeof such a database, as opposed to a database with customers of just asingle retail establishment, may make it possible to come up with betterpredictive algorithms for a player’s purchasing decisions.

Perspectives for the Determination of Offers for Retail Establishments

In various embodiments, a casino server may determine one or moreoutcomes for a player of a mobile gaming device. The casino server maytransmit such outcomes to the mobile gaming device. The mobile gamingdevice may present such outcomes to the player.

The casino server may track the location of the mobile gaming device.The casino server may determine when the mobile gaming device isproximate to a retail establishment.

The casino server may receive data from the retail establishment. Forexample, the POS terminal of the retail establishment may indicateinventory levels of various products and communicate the inventorylevels to the casino server. The retail establishment may communicateother data, such as data about product values, product wholesale costs,expected delivery dates of new products, historical demand for products,customer traffic at the retail shop, and any other pertinent data.

The casino server may use the data received from the retailer todetermine promotions on behalf of the retail establishment. For example,if the retailer has an excess of a certain product, the casino servermay determine a promotion which offers the product at a discount.

Based on an outcome generated for a player of a mobile gaming device,the casino server may determine a promotion for the player of the mobilegaming device. The casino server may determine a first promotion if afirst outcome is generated, and a second promotion if a second outcomeis generated. For example, if the outcome generated is a winningoutcome, the casino server may determine a promotion which advertises anexpensive product. If the outcome generated is a losing outcome, thecasino server may determine a promotion that offers a discount to theplayer.

The casino server may determine a promotion to present to a player of amobile gaming device based on the fact that a player is within a certaindistance of the retail establishment or based on the fact that theplayer is within a certain geographic region, area, or locality. Forexample, the casino server may transmit a promotion to the mobile gamingdevice of a player for presentation only if the player is within 50 feetof the retail establishment that is being promoted.

Thus, a casino server may determine an outcome which has been generatedfor a player of a mobile gaming device. The casino server may receivedata from a retail establishment. The casino server may determine adistance between the mobile gaming device and the retail establishment.Based on these factors, the casino server may determine a promotionwhich promotes the retail establishment to the player. The casinosserver may cause the promotion to be presented to the player via themobile gaming device of the player. For example, the casino server maytransmit data to the mobile gaming device, where such data describes orencodes the promotion. The mobile gaming device may then present thepromotion to the player.

In various embodiments, a retail establishment may receive an indicationthat a mobile gaming device is in proximity to the retail establishment.The indication may be received via direct communication from the mobilegaming device, or via communication from the casino server (e.g., thecasino server may determine that the mobile gaming device is inproximity to the retail establishment and may communicate suchinformation to the retail establishment). The retail establishment maydetermine a promotion for the player of the mobile gaming device. Theretail establishment may determine such promotion based on various data,such as inventory levels, future delivery dates for new products,wholesale costs, ability to return unsold items, and so on. The retailestablishment may also receive an indication of an outcome achieved bythe player of the mobile gaming device. The retail establishment mayreceive any information about a player’s results, including anindication of recent winnings, an indication of a gross amount won, anindication of a net amount won, and so on. The retail establishment maydetermine a promotion for presentation to the player based on an outcomereceived by the player. The retail establishment may determine apromotion for presentation to the player based on any historical resultsof the player. The retail establishment may determine a promotion basedboth on the historical results of the player and based on the fact thatthe player is proximate to the retailer. For example, if the player isproximate to the retail establishment and the player has just won alarge payout, then the retail establishment may determine a promotionwhich highlights a luxury product of the retail establishment. Theretail establishment may transmit the promotion to the mobile gamingdevice. The retail establishment may transmit the promotion to thecasino server. The casino server may then transmit the promotion to themobile gaming device.

In various embodiments, the mobile gaming device may receive informationfrom a retail establishment. The information may include informationabout inventory levels, current customer traffic levels, historicalcustomer traffic levels, or any other pertinent information. The mobilegaming device may determine whether or not it is near to the retailestablishment. If the mobile gaming device is near to the retailestablishment, then the mobile gaming device may determine a promotionto present to the player, the promotion serving to promote products orservices of the retail establishment. The promotion may be determinedbased on information provided by the retail establishment. Theinformation provided by the retail establishment may be transmitteddirectly from the retail establishment to the mobile gaming device. Theinformation provided by the retail establishment may be transmittedfirst to the casino server and then to the mobile gaming device. Invarious embodiments, the retail establishment may determine whether ornot the mobile gaming device is near to the retail establishment. Theretail establishment may then inform the mobile gaming device, eitherdirectly or through the casino server. In various embodiments, thecasino server may determine whether the mobile gaming device is near tothe retail establishment. The casino server may inform the mobile gamingdevice if it is near the retail establishment.

4.8.1.1. Use the mobile gaming device as an automatic, custom tailoredcoupon. An individualized coupon. In various embodiments, a mobilegaming device may store coupons, gift certificates, or other tokenswhich confer value or discounts. Coupons may be transmitted to a mobilegaming device at various times. In various embodiments, a player may wincoupons, gift certificates, or other benefits while playing a game. Forexample, if a player lines up three “Macy’s” symbols on a slot machine,the player may win a $100 gift certificate to Macy’s. In variousembodiments, the coupons, gift certificates, or other tokens of valuemay be stored in electronic form on a mobile gaming device. In order touse the coupons, gift certificates, etc., at a retail establishment, theplayer may bring his mobile gaming device to a retail establishment. Themobile gaming device may communicate information about the coupon, giftcertificate, or other token to a computer of the retail establishment.The communication may occur in various ways. For example, the mobilegaming device may communicate to the computer of the retailestablishment a sequence of bits that uniquely identifies a particularcertificate, coupon, etc. In various embodiments, a mobile gaming devicemay display on its display screen a bar code which identifies a coupon,gift certificate or other token of value. The bar code displayed on thedisplay screen of the mobile gaming device may be scanned by the retailestablishment, e.g., using a typical bar code scanner. In this way, theplayer may carry around coupons, or gift certificates on his mobilegaming device. The player may redeem them at retail establishments fromhis mobile gaming device.

4.8.2. Proximity to another mobile device. In various embodiments,proximity to a second mobile gaming device may trigger the presentationof a promotion in a first mobile gaming device. When the second mobilegaming device is near, the promotion at the first mobile gaming devicemay be seen or heard by the player of the second mobile gaming device.

4.9. Time. In various embodiments, time may serve as a trigger for apromotion. For example, a promotion may be triggered at a certain timeof day, at a certain date, or at a certain year. As another example, atime since an event may serve as a trigger. For example, a promotion maybe triggered 5 minutes after the last promotion has been presented.

4.9.1. A certain amount of time has elapsed since the last promotion. Invarious embodiments, a promotion may be triggered once a certain amountof time has elapsed from a prior promotion. The prior promotion may beany promotion. For example, a current promotion may be triggered to bepresented once one minute has elapsed since the last promotion on amobile gaming device was presented. The prior promotion may be apromotion of the same type or category. For example, a promotion fortoothpaste might be triggered when it has been 30 minutes since the lastpromotion for toothpaste. The same promotion may be triggered, however,when only 1 minute has lapsed since the last unrelated promotion. Bycreating a greater time spacing between promotions of the same type,player boredom may be alleviated. In various embodiments, when a certainminimum time gap is kept between the presentation of any promotion,player annoyance may be alleviated. In various embodiments, when acertain maximum time gap is allowed between the presentation ofpromotions, player exposure to promotions may be increased and thusrevenues for the casino and for the marketers may be increased.

4.9.2. It is a certain time of day. For example, advertise food duringlunch time. In various embodiments, the presentation of a promotion maybe triggered by the time of day. Products which are typically purchasedduring a particular time of day may be promoted during that time of day.A promotion for breakfast may be triggered early in the day, such as at7:00am. A promotion for lunch may be triggered at 11:45am. A promotionfor an evening show may be triggered at 6:00pm. A promotion may betriggered based on a merchant’s business hours. For example, a promotionfor a merchant’s products may be triggered for presentation at the timethe merchant opens for business.

4.9.3. Ambient conditions (e.g., temperature). In various embodiments, apromotion may be triggered based on ambient conditions. A promotion maybe triggered based on the air temperature. If the air temperature isover 90° F., for example, a promotion for a soft drink may be triggered.A mobile gaming device may contain a temperature sensor. Readings fromthe temperature sensor may be used to trigger promotions. In variousembodiments, a mobile gaming device may contain other sensors forsensing or determining ambient conditions. A mobile gaming device maycontain humidity sensors for detecting ambient humidity or rainconditions. A mobile gaming device may contain light sensors fordetecting ambient brightness, cloudiness, and so on. A mobile gamingdevice may contain microphones for detecting ambient noise conditions.In various embodiments, promotions of a certain form may be presenteddepending on ambient conditions. For example, if ambient noise levelsare high, then a primarily visually based promotion may be triggered forpresentation. If ambient noise levels are low, then a promotion whichincludes audio components may be presented. Thus, in variousembodiments, a mobile gaming device, a casino server, or another entitymay determine ambient noise levels in the vicinity of a mobile gamingdevice. Based on the ambient noise levels, a promotion may be selectedfor presentation. The selection process may consider whether thepromotion has audio components to it. In various embodiments, ambientbrightness levels may be used to determine what types of promotions willbe presented. If ambient brightness levels are high, promotions with agreater audio component may be presented. For example, in a bright,sunlit environment, a mobile gaming device may be more likely to presentpromotions with a higher audio component. In a dim environment, a mobilegaming device may be more likely to present promotions with more of avisual component.

In various embodiments, rules, customs, regulations, and otherconditions may determine which promotions may be used. For example, amobile gaming device may be inside a theater where a show is inprogress. In such an environment, a promotion with an audio componentmay be distracting to surrounding patrons of the theater. Thus, themobile gaming device may determine promotions that have little or noaudio components. It should be understood that selecting a promotionwith no audio component may include selecting a promotion with an audiocomponent and suppressing the audio component. For example, if themobile gaming device determines that it should present a promotion withno audio component, the mobile gaming device may select a promotion thatpreviously had an audio component and mute the audio component. Further,it should be understood that selecting a promotion that does not have avisual component may include selecting a promotion with a visualcomponent and suppressing the visual component.

In various embodiments, the mobile gaming device may receive signalsfrom a casino server describing rules, customs, regulations, and so onin the vicinity of the mobile gaming device. Based on such signals, themobile gaming device may determine whether a particular promotion issuitable for presentation. In various embodiments, based on the locationof a mobile gaming device, a casino server may instruct the mobilegaming device directly as to whether or not certain promotions may bepresented. For example, the casino server may transmit to a mobilegaming device instructions explicitly forbidding the presentation of aparticular promotion, or explicitly instructing the mobile gaming deviceto present a particular promotion.

In various embodiments, a casino server may send to a mobile gamingdevice promotions that are appropriate for presentation based on theconditions in the vicinity of the mobile gaming device. For example, thecasino server may receive position information from the mobile gamingdevice. The casino server may then determine what an appropriatepromotion is based on the location of the mobile gaming device. Forexample, if the mobile gaming device is located in a conference roomduring the time of a conference, the casino server may determine that anaudio promotion is inappropriate. Accordingly, the casino server mayonly transmit to the mobile gaming device a promotion with a videocomponent.

In various embodiments, if ambient conditions include rain, then apromotion for umbrellas may be shown. If ambient conditions includerain, then promotions for indoor activities (e.g., for shows) may betriggered. In various embodiments promotions may be suppressed based onambient conditions. For example, if ambient conditions include rain,then promotions for outdoor tours may be suppressed.

In various embodiments, ambient conditions surrounding a mobile gamingdevice may be detected by the mobile gaming device. In variousembodiments, ambient conditions may be detected by some other entity,such as by a weather service. The mobile gaming device may receivesignals about ambient conditions from other entities, such as from aweather service or such as from a casino server. The mobile gamingdevice may then use such information in determining which promotions topresent. In various embodiments, a mobile gaming device may simply beinstructed as to what promotions to present. The determination as towhich promotions to present may be made by some other entity, such as bya casino server. The casino server, may, in turn, use information aboutambient conditions in determining which promotions should be presented.

4.9.4. Based on the player’s own stated interests. In variousembodiments, the interests of a player of a mobile gaming device mayserve to trigger which promotions are presented at the mobile gamingdevice. For example, if a player is interested in cars, promotionsrelating to cars may be presented. For example, if a player isinterested in sports, promotions for sports tickets, fantasy sportsleagues, or sports memorabilia may be presented. In various embodiments,a player’s interests may be deduced in various ways. A player may beasked about his interests. A player may be asked about his interestswhen he first checks out a mobile gaming device, when he first startsplaying games at a mobile gaming device, during the course of a gamingsession, or at any other time. A player’s interests may be deduced fromthe actions of a player. For example, suppose a promotion is shown tothe player. If the player responds to the promotion, e.g., by touchingthe display screen in an area labeled “touch here to get moreinformation about this product”, then the player may be assumed to beinterested in products related to the product which is the subject ofthe promotion. Player interests may also be deduced through other means.For example, the player may make purchases at a retailer. The retailermay forward the name of the player to the casino server, possiblyincluding with the player’s name an indication of the products theplayer has purchased. The casino server may then assume that the playerhas interest in products similar to those purchased at the retailer.

4.9.5. You are in between games. In various embodiments, the trigger fora promotion may be that a game on a mobile gaming device has finished.For example, a particular promotion may be best suited only to occurbetween games. For example, the promotion may require the full area ofthe display screen of the mobile gaming device. For example, thepromotion may require the full attention of the player. In variousembodiments, a promotion may be presented if a game has finished, andnew game has not been started within a predetermined period of time. Forexample, if a player has completed a game and not started the next gamein five seconds, then a mobile gaming device may trigger thepresentation of a new promotion. A player may be more receptive to apromotion if the player is not currently involved in a game.

4.10. Poor connectivity. For example, if you can’t be connected to theserver at the moment, then show an advertisement. In variousembodiments, a promotion may be presented if there is any disruption incommunication or connectivity between the mobile gaming device and thecasino server. In various embodiments, the mobile gaming device may berequired to maintain communication with the casino server while allowinga player to engage in gaming activities. For example, the casino servermay be required to continuously verify that the mobile gaming device ison the premises of the casino in order for a player of the mobile gamingdevice to be allowed to engage in gaming activities. Thus, if there is adisruption in the communication, the mobile gaming device may beprevented from allowing the player to game. A disruption incommunication might then present a good opportunity for the presentationof promotions, since the player may not be able to play games.

4.11. Amount of battery life left. In various embodiments, the amount ofbattery life left in a mobile gaming device might influence whether ornot a promotion is presented. In various embodiments, the amount ofbattery life left in a mobile gaming device may influence whichpromotion is presented. In various embodiments the amount of batterylife left in a mobile gaming device might influence the manner in whicha promotion is presented. Presenting a promotion may require batterypower. For example, audio associated with a promotion may require that aspeaker of a mobile gaming device be powered in order to generate theaudio output. As another example, presenting a promotion between gamesmay require power for illuminating the display screen. As anotherexample, in various embodiments, presenting a promotion may firstrequire downloading the promotion from a casino server. For instance,the casino server may transmit to the mobile gaming device image andaudio files to be played as part of the promotion. The downloadingprocess may require wireless communication, which may use up batterypower of the mobile gaming device. In situations where remaining batterypower is low, the conservation of such battery power might allow aplayer to play extra games at the mobile gaming device before thebattery runs out. This may result in extra revenue for the casino, aswell as reduced frustration for the player. Therefore, in variousembodiments, when the power left in a battery goes below a certainthreshold, a promotion may be suppressed. In various embodiments, whenthe power left in a battery goes below a certain threshold, a promotionwhich requires less battery power to present may be favored forpresentation over a promotion that requires more battery power topresent. Given two promotions of equal priority, the mobile gamingdevice may be less likely to present the one which requires more powerthe less battery life there is remaining. In various embodiments, basedon the battery power remaining in the battery of a mobile gaming device,the mobile gaming device may vary the manner in which a promotion ispresented. In various embodiments, if the battery power is low, imagesassociated with the promotion may be dimmed. In various embodiments, ifbattery power is low, audio associated with the promotion may be playedat a low volume or may not be played at all. In various embodiments, ifbattery power is low, a promotion may be truncated, or otherwisecompressed. For example, a five-second version of a video advertisementmay be played rather than the full-length 15-second version. In variousembodiments, battery life remaining, battery power remaining, energyremaining, and other metrics may all be used in determining whether ornot a promotion should be presented, which of two or more promotionsshould be presented, and the manner in which a promotion will bepresented. In various embodiments, if battery life is below a certainthreshold, promotions that are stored locally on the mobile gamingdevice may be favored over promotions that must be newly downloaded fromthe casino server or from some other device. In this fashion, the powercosts associated with downloading a promotion may be saved.

4.12. Amount of money left. In various embodiments, the amount of moneya player has remaining may influence what promotion is presented. Theamount of money a player has remaining may also influence whether or nota promotion is presented. In various embodiments, if a player has arelatively small amount of money left, promotions may be presented tothe player which offer the player monetary benefits or discountedgambling opportunities. For example, if a player has less than $5 left,a promotion may be presented to the player, offering the player 5 freespins if he’ll agree to be mailed an information packet about a newretirement savings vehicle. In various embodiments, if a player has arelatively large amount of money left (e.g., more than $500), then theplayer may be presented with promotions which advertise relativelyexpensive products or services, such as cars or jewelry.

4.13. Alerts and Messaging. In various embodiments, an alert or messagemay be sent to player of a mobile gaming device. In various embodiments,the same alert or message may be sent to multiple different players ofmobile gaming devices. If there are many players using mobile gamingdevice, then the mobile gaming devices may serve as an effective masscommunication medium for messages, such as messages to be communicatedto casino patrons. Various circumstances may trigger alerts or messages.If an alert is accompanied by sounds, then the when the alert is sent tomultiple mobile gaming devices in a casino, the sounds of simultaneousmobile gaming devices around the casino making sounds may add emphasisand excitement to the occasion of the alert (e.g., to the occasion wheresome player has won a large jackpot).

4.13.1. When someone wins the progressive, every player’s mobile devicecan vibrate and / or beep. A message can also be displayed on the mobiledevice. In various embodiments, a first player of a mobile gaming devicemay be alerted when a second player wins a significant payout. Asignificant payout may include a jackpot, a top prize, a prize of morethan X amount (e.g., of more than $1000), and so on. In variousembodiments, an alert may take the form of beeping, vibrations of themobile gaming device, flashing lights, and so on. An alert may indicatethe name of the second player, the amount won by the second player, thegame the second player was playing when he won, the home state of thesecond player, or any other information. The alert or message may takethe form of a text message, an audio message, or any other kind ofmessage.

4.13.2. The alert can also happen in response to other events, like adaily bonus, someone winning more than $100 on a slot machine, or anyother significant event, or any other event. In various embodiments, analert may inform one or more players when a drawing for a prize is aboutto occur. For example, an alert may inform one or more players when akeno drawing will occur. In various embodiments, an alert may inform oneor more players when a drawing is in the process of occurring. The alertmay inform a player of partial outcomes. For example, an alert may besent from the casino server to a mobile gaming device. The alert maydetail one or more numbers which have been drawn in a game of keno. Thealert may include less than all the numbers that are to be drawn for thegame of keno. This may allow a player who is viewing the alert to followthe game of keno as it is in progress. In various embodiments, an alertmay inform one or more players that a drawing, chance event, contest, orother event is about to occur, is in the process of occurring, or hasoccurred. For example, a casino may run a general promotion where threeplayers per day who visit the casino can win a car in a daily drawing.The drawing may occur every day at a particular time, such as at 4:00pm.Accordingly, the casino may send an alert to one or more players priorto the time of the drawing. The alert may get the player(s) in ananticipatory mood for the drawing and help the drawing to have itsintended effect of promoting the casino. The casino may send an alert asthe drawing is occurring. The casino may send an alert after the drawinghas occurred. The alert may include winning names drawn, for example.The alert may include images, and descriptions of people who won. Invarious embodiments, any alerts regarding winners of prizes, drawings,contests, or other events may include information about the winners,such as pictures, hometowns, and so on.

4.13.3. The setting (what events trigger the alert) can be configurableby the user. In various embodiments, a player may indicate circumstancesunder which he would like to receive an alert. In various embodiments, aplayer might indicate triggers for an alert. A player may provide suchindications at various times. For example, when a player first checksout a mobile device, the player may provide indications of what types ofalerts he would like to receive. A player may provide indications whenplaying. For example, a player may access a menu on the display screenof his mobile gaming device. The menu may allow the player to configurewhat alerts he would like to receive. The menu may list categories ofalerts. For example, one category of alert may be an alert that is sentwhen someone a jackpot is won. Another category of alert may be an alertthat is sent when a jackpot reaches a certain level. Another category ofalerts may be alerts that are sent when a drawing or other event is setto occur. A player may select a category of alert, e.g., by checking abox or selecting a menu item. A player may also be able to configure anumerical level for a prize before an alert will be sent. For example, aplayer may specify that he would only like to receive alerts when apayout of more than $1000 has been won in the casino. In variousembodiments, a player may configure alerts over the internet. Forexample, a player may visit a web page of the casino server. On the webpage, the player may decide what types of alerts he would like toreceive. The player may navigate menus, check boxes, enter text, orotherwise indicate the types of alerts he is interested in receiving.Once a player has checked out a mobile gaming device or otherwiseobtained a mobile gaming device, the player’s alert selections may becommunicated to the mobile gaming device. The mobile gaming device maythereupon only display alerts for which the player has indicatedinterest.

In various embodiments, a player may receive an alert. The player maythen indicate whether he would like to continue receiving alerts of thesame type or category. For example, an alert may be presented to aplayer in a pop-up window. The player may check a box in the pop-upwindow indicating that he would no longer like to receive alerts of thetype just received.

4.13.4. A player may be unable to deactivate alerts following certainevents (e.g., a player cannot change the fact that the progressive wingives him an alert). In various embodiments, a player has the option ofsuppressing certain alerts. For example, a player may indicate that hewould not like to see alerts about upcoming keno drawings. Accordingly,the mobile gaming device of the player may cease presenting to theplayer alerts about keno drawings. In various embodiments, a player doesnot have the option of suppressing alerts. For example, alerts may bepresented by the mobile gaming device of a player even if the playerdoes not wish to receive such alerts, and even if the player hasindicated that he does not wish to receive such alerts. In variousembodiments, a player is prevented from ignoring alerts or otherpromotions by having to react in some way to the promotions. Forexample, when a promotion is presented to a player, the player may berequired to press a button, touch an area of the screen, answer aquestion about the promotion, or otherwise respond to the promotion. Ifthe player does not respond, the player may be prevented from playingfurther games on his mobile gaming device. For example, an imageassociated with a promotion may occupy the entire screen area of amobile gaming device until the player reacts to the promotion. Only thenmay the promotion disappear and allow the player to view graphicsassociated with a game.

4.13.5. Alerts when friends or family or group members get a goodresult. In various embodiments, a player may receive alerts or messageswhen one of a group of people achieves a particular outcome. The groupof people may include people with some relation to the player. Forexample, the group of people may consist of friends, family, workcolleagues, members of the same club, members of the same religiousinstitution, classmates, fraternity brothers, and so on. A player mayindicate to the casino server who is in his group. For example, whenfirst checking out a mobile gaming device from the casino, a player mayprovide the names of his fellow group members. In various embodiments,when one member of a group indicates the names or identifiers of othermembers of the group, the two or more members of the group (e.g., allmembers of the group) may receive messages or alerts relating to othermembers of the group. For example, when one member of the group receivesa high-paying outcome, all other members of the group may receivealerts. In various embodiments, alerts may be sent to a player when amember of his group who is not using a mobile gaming device achieves asignificant or noteworthy outcome. For example, if a fellow group memberat a stationary slot machine wins a $1000 payout, then a player mayreceive an alert saying, “Your friend just won $1000!!”.

4.13.6. Reserving poker tables. Getting alerts for poker tables. Reservea place in a buffet line. Reserve a taxi.

4.13.6.1. Tables. In various embodiments, a player may use a mobilegaming device to reserve a spot at a gaming table. Gaming tables mayinclude poker tables, blackjack tables, or other tables. To reserve aspot at a table, a player may communicate with the casino server. Forexample, the player may use his mobile gaming device to access ascheduling system of the casino server. The scheduling system mayinclude a Web page interface, or other type of interface. The schedulingsystem may list gaming tables within the casino. For example, thescheduling system may list a set of poker tables, each poker tabledescribed by the game and the betting limits at the table. Thescheduling system may further list names, initials, or other identifiersfor players waiting to play at such tables. When visiting the schedulingsystem, a player may add his name to one or more lists of playerswaiting to play at tables. For example, a player may add his name to alist of players waiting to play a game of Texas Hold’em with bettinglimits of $2 and $4 (e.g., 2-4 Texas Hold’em). Once a player’s name isadded to a list of players waiting for a game, the player may beeligible to sit for the game once all players ahead of him in the listhave either been seated or declined to participate in the game. Forexample, as seats in a game (e.g., a game of Blackjack; e.g., a game ofpoker) open up, the player at the top of a list of players waiting toplay in that game may be offered a seat at the game. The player at thetop of the list may then be removed from the list, leaving thepreviously second player now at the top of the list.

In various embodiments, a player may use a mobile gaming device toaccess a scheduling system for a game. The scheduling system may allow aplayer to secure a place in line for a table game, for a slot machinegame, or for any other game. The scheduling system may allow a player toreserve a spot in line for any other event or activity for which spaceor availability may be limited.

In various embodiments, a player may use a mobile gaming device to viewavailable games or tables in a casino. For example, a map of a casinomay visually indicate gaming tables, including which tables haveopenings for players. If there is currently an opening, a player may usehis mobile gaming device to reserve the opening for himself. Forexample, a player may touch an area on a diagram of a casino floor. Thearea may be a representation of a poker table. Having touched the area,the mobile gaming device may ask the player whether he would like toreserve a spot at the table. The player may indicate affirmation bytouching a button on the screen of his mobile gaming device, such as bytouching a button labeled “yes”. The mobile gaming device may inform theplayer of any time limits associated with claiming the spot. Forexample, the mobile gaming device may inform the player that the playerhas 10 minutes in which to claim the spot before the spot will be givento someone else. In various embodiments, when a player reserves a spotat a gaming table, the player may indicate the amount for which he wouldlike to buy in at the gaming table. The player may indicate that amountof cash he would initially like to convert into gaming chips prior tostarting play at the gaming table. The player may indicate the amount ofgaming chips with which he would like to begin play at the gaming table.After the player has indicated a number of chips with which he wouldlike to begin, a casino representative may arrange to have the chipsplaced at the gaming table pending the arrival of the player. Thus, whenthe player arrives at the gaming table, chips may have been counted outfor the player already.

In various embodiments, a player may wish to reserve a seat at a gamingtable. However, the gaming table may currently be in full use. Theplayer may accordingly interact with a scheduling system in order toplace himself in line for a seat at the table. In various embodiments,the casino (e.g., the casino server) may indicate to the player anestimate of the amount of time it will take before a seat opens up forthe player at the gaming table. For example, the casino server maytransmit to the player’s mobile gaming device an estimate that the waitwill be one hour. The waiting time may then be displayed for the playeron the screen of the player’s mobile gaming device. The casino servermay use various algorithms to estimate a waiting time. The casino servermay have historical data indicating the rate at which spots open up at aparticular type of game, at particular betting limits, at particulartimes of day, and so on. Using such data and using data about the numberof people ahead of a player for a table, the casino server may estimatehow long it will take for a player to get a seat at a table. Forexample, the estimated time before a player will be seated at a tablemay be equal to the average time it takes a seat to vacate multiplied byone plus the number of people who are ahead of the player in line for aseat.

In various embodiments, the casino may inform the player of any futuregaming tables that will open up. For example, the casino may inform theplayer that a new poker table will be opening up in half an hour. Theplayer may, accordingly, place himself on a wait list for the new table.

In various embodiments, a player may play a game on a mobile gamingdevice. The mobile gaming device, or another device, may subsequentlyoffer the player an opportunity to play the same game at a stationarygaming device and/or at a physical gaming table. For example, it may beassumed that if a player has played a game for a period of time on amobile gaming device, the player might also be interested in playing thesame game at a stationary device and/or at a gaming table. In variousembodiments, a player may play a game of poker on a mobile gamingdevice. For example, the player may play a game of Texas Hold’em. Themobile gaming device may then display a message asking the playerwhether or not the player would like to sit down at a poker table toplay a game of poker with a live dealer, with physical cards, and withlive opponents. The player may indicate that he is interested. Theplayer’s indication of interest may be transmitted to the casino server.The casino server may then send instructions, e.g., to a casinorepresentative, to have a spot at the table reserved for the player. Invarious embodiments, a player may be engaged in a slot machine game onhis mobile gaming device, e.g., the player may play a game withsimulated slot machine reels on the display of the mobile gaming device.An offer may then be presented to the player to play the same game on astationary slot machine. The player may accept the offer. The slotmachine may be subsequently reserved for the player. In variousembodiments, when a player plays a particular type of game on a mobilegaming device, and when a spot or space opens up for a similar game at astationary gaming device or at a gaming table, the spot or space may beoffered to the player of the mobile gaming device.

4.13.7. Win a spot at a poker table or blackjack table while playing. Invarious embodiments, a player who is waiting for a spot at a gamingtable, at a game, or in some other activity must play continuously inorder to maintain his spot in line. Continuous play may, in variousembodiments, be defined differently. For example, continuous play maymean that a player must play one game at least every thirty seconds. Asanother example, continuous play may mean that a player must make atleast $3 in wagers every minute. In various embodiments, a player whodoes not maintain continuous play may fall back in a line. For example,for every two minute gap in the play of a player, the player may fallback one place in line. If the player was fifth in line for a spot at agaming table, the player may fall back to sixth in line for a spot atthe gaming table.

In various embodiments, a player may win a place in line while playing agame. For example, a player may play a game on a mobile gaming device.The player may win an outcome which advances him one place in line for aspot at a gaming table. A player may also fall back in line based oncertain outcomes. For example, a player waiting for a spot at a gamingtable may achieve a “fall back” outcome when playing another game on hismobile gaming device. The player’s place in line may accordingly fallback. In some embodiments, players may compete for a spot when the spotopens up. For example, five players may be waiting for a spot at a pokertable. When a spot at the table opens up, each of the waiting playersmay play a game on his or her respective mobile gaming device. Theplayer with the best performance in the game may get the open spot atthe gaming table. For example, the player who wins the most money in thegame may get the spot at the gaming table.

4.13.8. The act of playing as an entry into any contest or lottery. Invarious embodiments, play of a game may make a player eligible for entryinto a contest or lottery. For example, for each game played on a mobilegaming device, a player may receive an entry into a raffle drawing for anew car. The car may be raffled off to a player who has played a mobilegaming device within a sponsoring casino. In various embodiments, aplayer must meet a minimum threshold of play before receiving entry intoa contest or lottery. For example, a player must play at least onehundred games to receive entry. For example, a player must wager atleast $250 in order to receive entry. In various embodiments, a playermay receive a number of entries to a contest or lottery which isproportional to an amount the player has wagered. For example, a playermay receive entries into a drawing for show tickets, where the number ofentries is proportional to an amount wagered by the player. In variousembodiments, play of a mobile gaming device may confer to a player entryinto a state lottery, inter-state lottery, national lottery, and so on.In various embodiments, play of a mobile gaming device may confer to aplayer entry into a contest or lottery which is in addition to the gameplayed on the mobile gaming device. In various embodiments, play of amobile gaming device may confer to a player entry into a contest orlottery which is independent from the game played on the mobile gamingdevice.

4.13.9. Play poker against other people waiting for an actual spot atthe tables. In various embodiments, a player may use a mobile gamingdevice to simulate play of a table game. In various embodiments, aplayer with a mobile gaming device may simulate play of a table gamewith or against other players who have mobile gaming devices. Forexample, several players with mobile gaming devices may compete againstone another in a game of poker. As another example, several players withmobile gaming devices may participate in a game of blackjack using acommon dealer and a common deck of cards, e.g., just as the playerswould if they were at a physical blackjack table. In variousembodiments, a player may ask to be seated at a table or at a game. Forexample, a player may ask to be seated for a poker game. The player maybe informed that there are no seats available for the poker game.However, the player may be offered the opportunity to play a game usinga mobile gaming device. The player may be offered the opportunity toplay the same version of poker as the one for which he had asked to beseated. The player may, accordingly, receive the mobile gaming deviceand begin play of the game of poker. When a seat becomes available atthe physical game of poker, the mobile gaming device of the player mayalert the player that the seat has become available. For example, acasino representative may key a message for the player into a terminal.The message may be forwarded (e.g., via the casino server) to the mobilegaming device of the player. The player may thereby be informed that aspot for him at the physical poker table is now available. In variousembodiments, a player who is waiting for a seat at a physical gamingtable may compete with a mobile gaming device against other players withmobile gaming devices. Players waiting for the same table may competeagainst one another. For example, five players waiting for seats at apoker table with limits of $4 and $8 may compete in a poker game ontheir respective mobile gaming devices. The players may compete on theirmobile gaming devices in a game with limits of $4 and $8. Thus, invarious embodiments, players waiting to play at a physical gaming tablewhich features a particular game may use mobile gaming device to playthe same or a similar game. In various embodiments, a player who iswaiting for a spot at a table may use a mobile gaming device to play agame with or against other players who are physically seated at thetable. Thus, a player with a mobile gaming device may play an electronicversion of a game that is being played with real cards, dice, or otherplaying tokens at a physical gaming table.

5. Indications that there is a promotion. Various signals may be used toget a player’s attention so as to inform the player that there is apromotion for him to peruse. In various embodiments, such signals may begenerated if it is unclear whether a player would be currently lookingat his mobile gaming device. For example, if the player has been engagedin a game in the past five seconds, it may be assumed that the player iscurrently viewing his mobile gaming device. Thus, a signal of apromotion may not be sent. However, if the player has not been engagedin a game in the last five seconds, a signal may be generated toindicate that a promotion is being presented.

5.1. Vibration. In various embodiments, a mobile gaming device mayvibrate to indicate that there is a promotion for the player. Thevibrations may be effective if the mobile gaming device is, for example,in physical contact with the player, such as being in the player’spocket. In various embodiments, vibrations associated with a promotionmay be distinct from vibrations associated with a phone call, or anemail. For example, the mobile gaming device may vibrate at onefrequency to signal an incoming call, and at another frequency to signalthat a promotion is being presented.

5.2. Beeping. In various embodiments, a mobile gaming device may beep tosignal that a promotion is or is about to be presented. In variousembodiments, a beep that signals the presentation of a promotion may bedistinct from a beep that signals some other event, such as an email.

5.3. Ringing. In various embodiments, a mobile gaming device may ring tosignal the presentation of a promotion. The ring associated with apromotion may be distinct from rings signaling other events, such as aphone call.

6. Player responds to an advertisement, e.g., the player shows interest.

6.1. More information about the product mailed or emailed to the player.

6.2. More information shown to the player on the mobile device.

6.3. More information shown to the player on a nearby slot machine.

6.4. Casino attendant brings more information to show the player.

6.5. Player information sent to the marketer.

7. Reformatting an advertisement that was meant for a big slot machinescreen for a mobile device screen.

8. Showing marketers available marketing opportunities (e.g., who isplaying now). In various embodiments, the casino server may show topotential marketers a current audience that is available for viewingpromotions. The current audience may include players currently gaming onmobile gaming device, players in possession of mobile gaming devices,players with money remaining with which to play on mobile gamingdevices, people within viewing range of mobile gaming devices (e.g.,people who might be able to see a promotion shown on a mobile gamingdevice, people within hearing range of an mobile gaming device, and soon. A potential audience may include people within a limited geographicregion. For example, a marketer with retail stores in Nevada might onlybe interested in sending promotions to people currently in Nevada. Apotential audience may include only people within a certain age range.For example, a casino server may show to a marketer only people betweenthe ages of 18 and 35, as such people may be the marketer’s main targetaudience. In various embodiments, a potential audience may include onlypeople with certain demographic characteristics, such as only marriedpeople, such as only French speakers, such as only people with incomesover $150,000, and so on. A potential audience may be presented to amarketer in the form of one or more aggregate statistics. For example, amarketer may be told that there are currently 3500 people playing mobilegaming device who are between 18 and 25 years old.

In various embodiments, a potential marketer may be shown availableadvertising mediums. For example, a marketer may be told that there arecurrently 1258 places where their product logo can be used as a symbolon reel. As another example, a marketer may be told that there arecurrently 100 slots open where promotions will be inserted between gamesplayed on mobile gaming devices. As will be appreciated, any statisticdescribing available slots or media for promotions may be presented to amarketer.

In various embodiments, a marketer may be shown available slots forpromotions for a particular target audience. For example, a marketer maybe told that there 200 mobile gaming devices in which the marketer’spromotion may be used in background graphics and where the mobile gamingdevices are being played by players of the marketer’s target audience.

8.1. The number of active handhelds nationwide is tracked. In variousembodiments, the casino server may track the number of mobile gamingdevice that are currently in use across a particular location orgeographic region. The casino server, for example, may track the numberof mobile gaming device active within a room, within a casino, within aneighborhood (e.g., the Las Vegas strip), within casinos of the samemanagement, within a state, or within an entire country. Thus, invarious embodiments, a casino server may track the number of mobilegaming devices in use nationwide. A statistic describing the number ofactive mobile gaming devices may be presented to a marketer.

8.1.1. How many handhelds of a particular demographic. In variousembodiments, the casino server may track the number of mobile gamingdevices that are being used by players of a particular demographic. Forexample, the casino server may count 584 people that are using mobilegaming device and who are between the ages of 60 and 65. As anotherexample, the casino server may count 2690 people that are using mobilegaming devices and who are also gun owners.

8.1.2. How many handhelds playing a particular denomination. In variousembodiments, a casino server may track the number of mobile gamingdevices on which players are playing games of a certain denomination.For example, the casino server may track the number of mobile gamingdevices on which players are playing games with required wagers of $1.

In various embodiments, the casino server may track the number of mobilegaming devices on which a particular type of game is being played. Forexample, the casino server may track the number of mobile gaming deviceson which Triple Play Video Poker is being played. In variousembodiments, the casino server may track the number of mobile gamingdevices on which games by a certain game developer are being played.

In various embodiments, any group that is tracked may have its playingcharacteristics represented by one or more statistics. Such statisticsmay be presented to a marketer. Based on such statistics, a marketer maydecide whether or not to promote to the group.

8.2. Space is made instantly available. In various embodiments, slots,space, or media for promotions may be made available to marketers in arapid, instant, or real-time basis. For example, a marketer might make adecision to have a promotion presented one minute before it is actuallypresented. The central server may, for example, list available slots forpromotions into the future. A marketer may browse such available slots.The marketer might select one or more slots, even if such slots are tooccur within minutes or less. The promotion may then occur on schedule.If a marketer’s promotion is not already stored with the casino server(e.g., if image and audio data is not already stored with the casinoserver), the marketer may be required to upload a promotion to thecasino server before it can be presented. Once uploaded, a promotion maybe transmitted from a casino server to one or more mobile gaming devicesfor presentation.

8.3. We allow advertisers to immediately distribute ads on the fly toall, or to all that meet certain criteria. Immediate means display thisand now. In various embodiments, a marketer may specify one or morecriteria. The criteria may include criteria defining a target audience,such as demographic criteria. The criteria may also define games beingplayed, outcomes achieved, and so on. The criteria may also definecurrent locations of the target audience. For example, the criteriadefined by a marketer may specify that the target audience includes onlypeople within the state of Mississippi. Once a marketer has specified atarget audience, or criteria that a member of the target audience mustmeet, promotions from the marketer may be presented to the targetaudience. Promotions may be presented to all of the target audience, orto some fraction of the target audience. For example, 1000 people maycurrently satisfy criteria defined by the marketer. The promotion of themarketer may, accordingly, be presented to all 1000 people meeting thecriteria. In some embodiments, however, the marketer may not wish to payto reach the entire target audience. Instead, for example, the marketermay decide to pay to reach only a fraction of the target audience, suchas one third of the target audience. Once a marketer has defined atarget audience for a promotion, the promotion may be presented tomembers of the target audience substantially immediately. Alternatively,the promotion may be presented to members of the target audience at alater time, such as at a time desired by the marketer.

8.4. Advertisers get to see a list of who is located near to theproduct, e.g., to a coke store. In various embodiments, a marketer mayview data indicative of how many players of mobile gaming devices arenear to the product of the marketer. For example, a marketer may wish tosee a count of the number of players of mobile gaming devices who arenear to a fast food restaurant which the marketer represents. Themarketer may then decide whether to have a promotion presented to someor all of such players.

8.5. Mechanism to allow advertisers to find out what’s available and toinsert bids. The advertiser has a mechanism to acquire an advertisingblock. An advertiser has a mechanism to place an ad in the black. Invarious embodiments, a marketer may view a list or other description ofavailable slots or media in which promotions may be inserted. The listmay include a list of slots by time of day, by game, by gamedenomination, by demographic of the player, and so on. For example, alisting of a slot may indicate that there is a 5-second slot open for500 gamers between the ages of 50 and 55. The marketer may have theopportunity to purchase that slot and to have his promotion presentedduring that slot. Thus, the marketer may have his promotion presented to500 gamers. The marketer may be able to place a bid for that slot. Amarketer who places the highest bid may have the opportunity to have apromotion placed in a slot. In various embodiments, a marketer may beable to have a promotion presented to a first number of gamers. Themarketer may submit the high bid to have a promotion presented to asecond number of gamers, where the second number of gamers is less thanthe first number of gamers. For example, 500 gamers may be currentlyplaying mobile gaming devices. A marketer may bid to have his promotionpresented to 200 of the gamers. If the marketer has submitted the highbid, the marketer may succeed in having his promotion presented to the200 gamers. The marketer who has submitted the next highest bid may havethe opportunity to have his promotion presented to gamers from among theremaining group of gamers. Thus, in various embodiments, a marketer maysubmit a bid where the bid includes not only a time of day, a game, alength of a promotion, a size of a promotion, etc., but also a number ofplayers to which the promotion will be presented.

In various embodiments, a marketer may purchase a slot for a promotionor submit bids to have a promotion placed using a Web site of the casinoserver. The casino server Web site may list available slots, highestbids, any restrictions on which types of promotions may be shown, and soon. The marketer may use the Web site to submit bids, to make purchases,to make payment (e.g., by submitting a credit card number), to submitthe actual promotion (e.g., image data; e.g., video data; e.g., audiodata), and so on. A marketer may submit bids and other information inmany other ways, as will be appreciated. For example, a marketer maysubmit bids via phone, fax, email, postal mail, and so on.

The Player Chooses a Type Of Ad at the Time When He Checks Out a MobileDevice.

In various embodiments, a player may make one or more designations atthe time when he receives a mobile device. Such designations mayinfluence the promotions and advertisements shown to the player. Forexample, such designations may influence the types of companies thatadvertise to the player or the types of products that are advertised tothe player.

A player may receive a mobile device in a number of ways. In variousembodiments, a player may receive a mobile device at a cage at a casino,at a vending machine, or at a front desk at a casino hotel. In variousembodiments, a player may receive a mobile device from a casinorepresentative. For example, a player may be situated at a slot machineand wish to move around the casino while continuing to engage in gaming.Accordingly, the player may request that a casino representative providethe player with mobile device for gaming. A player may also be inpossession of a mobile device of his own (e.g., the player may be inpossession of a personal cell phone). A player already in possession ofa mobile device may make one or more designations pertaining toadvertisements at the time he configures or enables his mobile devicefor the purposes of gaming.

When receiving or configuring a mobile device, a player may make anumber of designations. The player may indicate: (a) a product (e.g.,Coke); (b) a category of products (e.g., soft drinks; e.g., leisurecruises); (c) a brand; (d) a company; (e) a manufacturer; (f) a purposefor a product (e.g., as a wedding present; e.g., something to clean abathroom); (g) a price range (e.g., a price range for a product that theplayer may be willing to buy; (h) a budget range (e.g., an amount theplayer may have available to spend); (i) a desired sales representativeor type of sales representative that the player may be interested incommunicating with (e.g., a life insurance agent). Such designations bythe player may allow a marketer to determine the desirability of sendingadvertisements or promotions to a player. For example, if a player hasdesignated the product category of a particular marketer, then themarketer may be more willing to pay to have the player view anadvertisement for the marketer’s product. The designations may also aidthe casino in selling advertising space to marketers. For example, thecasino may be able to convince cruise lines to advertise on the mobiledevices of players if the casino can show cruise line marketers that anumber of such players are interested in vacations on cruise lines.

When receiving or configuring a mobile device, a player may alsoindicate characteristics about himself/herself. The player may indicatean age, race, income level, place of residence, family status, gender,political preference, occupation, or any other piece of information.Such information may further aid marketers in deciding which players toadvertise to, how much to pay to provide advertisements, and in decidingwhat advertisements to send to one or more players.

Bonus Round on a Separate Device

In various embodiments, a player may engage in part of a game on amobile gaming device, and part of the same game on another device. Theother device may be a gaming device that is not a mobile device. Forexample, the other device may be a slot machine, video poker machine,video blackjack machine, or the like. In some embodiments, the gamingdevice may offer an experience to the player that is not available onthe mobile gaming device. Thus, it may be more exciting or otherwisepleasing for the player to play a portion of a game on the other gamingdevice rather than playing the entire game on the mobile gaming device.In some embodiments, a player may reach a bonus round of a game whileplaying on a mobile gaming device. The bonus round of the game mayfeature random event embodied in a physical process. For example, thebonus round may feature the spinning of a wheel. While it is possiblethat the spinning of a wheel may be visually simulated using a displayscreen of a mobile gaming device, for example, it may be more excitingfor a player if he actually sees a physical wheel spin. Thus, a playermay play out the bonus round portion of his game using a gaming devicethat is not mobile. The gaming device used for the bonus round mayinclude a physical spinning wheel. The wheel may spin to reveal theplayer’s prize in the bonus round.

In various embodiments, when a first portion of a game is played on amobile gaming device, and a second portion of a game is played onanother device, the outcome of the game may be determined in severalways. The outcome of the game may be determined solely based on randomnumbers or events generated by the mobile gaming device. The outcome ofthe game may be determined solely based on random numbers or eventsgenerated by the other device (e.g., by a gaming device that is notmobile). The outcome of the game may be determined solely by a thirddevice, such as by a casino server. The outcome of the game may bedetermined based on random numbers or events generated by both themobile gaming device and the other device (e.g., the gaming device thatis not mobile). For example, entry into a bonus round may be determinedbased on random numbers generated on a mobile gaming device. The outcomeof the bonus round may be based on random numbers generated at the otherdevice (e.g., at the gaming device that is not mobile). The outcome ofthe game may be determined based on random numbers or events generatedat the mobile gaming device and at the third device (e.g., the casinoserver). The outcome of the game may be determined based on randomnumbers or events generated at the other device (e.g., at the gamingdevice that is not mobile) and at the third device (e.g., at the casinoserver). The outcome of the game may be determined based on randomnumbers or events generated at the mobile gaming device, at the otherdevice (e.g., at the gaming device that is not mobile), and at the thirddevice (e.g., at the casino server).

100% Payback Device

In various embodiments, a game on a mobile gaming device may have ahouse edge of 0%. In various embodiments, a game on a mobile gamingdevice may have a negative house edge. As will be appreciated, gameswith 0% house edge may fail to yield profits for a casino. As will beappreciated, games with a negative house edge may potentially cost acasino money. Thus, in various embodiments, a casino may use revenuefrom presenting promotions in order to supplement costs associated withgames that have 0% or less house edge.

In various embodiments, a casino may present enough promotions on amobile gaming device to create a desired positive house edge whenearnings from promotions are counted. For example, for each $1 gameplayed on a mobile gaming device, the mobile gaming device may present 5promotions. For example, the five promotions may include five productswhich take the place of symbols on simulated slot machine reels. Foreach promotion presented, the marketer sponsoring the promotion may paythe casino one cent. Thus, the casino may earn five cents from marketersfor each $1 game played. Even if the house edge on the game itself is0%, the casino may effectively maintain a 5% house edge when earningsfrom promotions are taken into account. In order to attain a desiredeffective house edge, a casino may adjust the number of promotionspresented per game played and/or adjust the fees charged to marketersper promotion. For instance, in the foregoing example, if the casinowished to receive a 6% house edge, the casino may have caused thepresentation of 6 promotions per game rather than 5.

In various embodiments, a player of a game may be required to view orotherwise peruse one or more promotions in order play games with a zeroor negative house edge. As a player views promotions, a player mayaccumulate points, tokens, or other scrip. The player may be required toaccumulate a certain number of points in order to play games with a zeroor negative house edge. As the player approaches a target number ofpoints, the house edge may get smaller and smaller, reaching zero whenthe player achieves the target number of points. For example, a game mayconventionally have a house edge of 10%. However, when a player hasviewed half of the promotions required to play games with a 0% houseedge, the house edge may decline to 5%. In various embodiments, as aplayer accumulates points, the player may use such points to play a gamewith a 0% or negative house edge. Once the player uses up points, theplayer may be required to earn further points (e.g., by viewing morepromotions) in order to play further game with a 0% or negative houseedge.

In various embodiments, a meter or other gauge may indicate a player’sprogress towards being able to play games with a 0% house edge. As aplayer views more promotions, for example, the meter may more closelyapproach a target. When the target is reached, the player may be able toplay games with a 0% house edge. In various embodiments, a player may berequired to continually, periodically, or sporadically view additionalpromotions in order to maintain the privilege of playing games with a 0%or negative house edge. If the player fails to view promotions at thedesired rate, the player may lose points and/or the meter may move awayfrom its target range. The player may then be left to play games with apositive house edge until such time as the player views additionalpromotions.

Getting Regulatory Approval for Ads

In various embodiments, a casino may seek regulatory approval to featureor insert a promotion into a game. In various embodiments, a casino mayseek regulatory approval to feature or insert a graphic associated witha promotion into a game. In various embodiments, a casino may seekregulatory approval to feature or insert any graphic into a game. Thegame may be a game of chance played for money, such as a slot machinegame or video poker game. In various embodiments, a casino may receiveblanket approval to insert any one of several graphics, at the casino’sdiscretion, into a game. For example, the casino may desire regulatoryapproval to insert any one of 50 different graphics into a game. Forexample, the casino may desire regulatory approval to insert any one of50 graphics as a symbol into a game. The graphics, or any data relatedto a promotion, may be shown in advance to regulators. The regulatorsmay approve all the graphics, or other data, and may then allow thecasino to insert any one of such graphics, at its discretion, into thegame.

Terms of regulatory approval for inserting a graphic into a game mayinclude any one or more of the following: (a) the presence of a graphichas no effect on the game when compared to how the game would be playedif the graphic were not present; (b) the presence of a graphic has noeffect on the payout of the game when compared to what the payout of thegame would be if the graphic were not present; (c) the graphic in no wayindicates or represents something that is not true (e.g., a graphiccannot say “winner” if the graphic does not form part of a winningoutcome); (d) the graphic in no way indicates or represents anythingabout the game itself (e.g., the graphic does not suggest an amount of apayout, a winning or losing outcome, an entry into a bonus round, etc.The graphic may simply convey a message that is independent of the gameplay); (e) the graphic is not offensive; (f) the graphic cannot beconfused for another graphic that is already part of the game; (g) thegraphic cannot be confused for a graphic that is part of any game (e.g.,a graphic of a clown might be forbidden because it might be confusedwith a joker symbol); (h) the graphic may not appeal to children orminors (e.g., the graphic may not show toys or brands which appeal tochildren); and so on. It will be appreciated that the foregoing termsmay apply to video, cartoons, animation, audio, or any other informationwhich may be featured in a promotion.

Obtaining regulatory approval on the foregoing may allow a casino tosolicit promotions which may be obtained from marketers and then whichmay be incorporated into games. A new promotion may be received and thenincorporated without the necessity of obtaining regulatory approvalbetween the time the promotion is received and the time the promotion isincorporated. This may allow for marketers to enjoy a rapid turnaroundtime between when promotions are submitted and when the promotions areincorporated.

1. (canceled)
 2. A method comprising: controlling, by at least oneprocessor: determining whether a game played, over a communicationnetwork, through a mobile device has produced a wager result greaterthan a non-zero monetary threshold; determining a location of the mobiledevice based on at least one of a signal strength, a video analysis or apositioning system GPS signal; determining a promotion based on thewager result in the game being greater than the non-zero monetarythreshold and the location being within a maximum distance from a retailestablishment; determining whether another computing device is in adesired range of the mobile device based on the location and a secondlocation of the another computing device; and in response to determiningthe promotion and determining that the another computing device is inthe desired range, causing, over the communication network, the anothercomputing device to perform an action related to the promotion.
 3. Themethod of claim 2, further comprising: controlling, by the at least oneprocessor, in response to determining the promotion and determining thatthe another computing device is in the desired range, transmittingcontent of the promotion without receiving a request for such atransmission and without receiving a request for determining whether theanother computing device is in the desired range from the mobile device.4. The method of claim 2, in which the action includes at least one ofgenerating an audio, a video or a light output.
 5. The method of claim2, in which the another computing device is caused to perform the actionbased on determining whether the another computing device is in a lineof sight of the mobile device.
 6. The method of claim 2, in which theanother computing device is caused to perform the action based ondetermining whether the another computing device is in a same room asthe mobile device.
 7. The method of claim 2, in which the anothercomputing device is caused to perform the action based on determiningwhether the another computing device is in a signal range of the mobiledevice, and in which the mobile device, the another computing device,and the at least one processor are remote from one another.
 8. Themethod of claim 2, further comprising controlling, by the at least oneprocessor: determining whether a signal strength from the mobile deviceat the another computing device is above a non-zero threshold value; andin response to determining that the signal strength is above thenon-zero threshold value, displaying the promotion at the anothercomputing device.
 9. The method of claim 2, further comprisingcontrolling, by the at least one processor, determining that the mobiledevice is present near the another computing device based on a mappingof at least one physical location of the another computing device. 10.The method of claim 2, in which the another computing device is causedto perform the action based on determining whether the another computingdevice is not restricted from use in the promotion based on amanufacturer of the another computing device.
 11. The method of claim10, further comprising controlling, by the at least one processor:determining that a second another computing device is restricted fromuse in the promotion based on a manufacturer of the second anothercomputing device; and preventing presentation of the promotion throughthe second another computing device in response to determining that thesecond another computing device is restricted.
 12. The method of claim2, further comprising controlling, by the at least one processor,adjusting a monetary account of a user of the mobile device based on thewager result.
 13. The method of claim 2, in which the promotionindicates a product of the retail establishment selected based on anon-zero monetary amount and a price of the product.
 14. The method ofclaim 2, in which the promotion indicates a product of the retailestablishment selected based on a time of day.
 15. The method of claim2, in which the promotion includes a monetary benefit to a user of themobile device.
 16. The method of claim 2, further comprisingcontrolling, by the at least one processor, determining that the mobiledevice is in proximity to a plurality of humans.
 17. The method of claim16, in which the promotion is determined based on the mobile devicebeing in proximity to the plurality of humans.
 18. The method of claim16, further comprising controlling, by the at least one processor,determining a volume level that is greater than normal based on theproximity and amplifying a volume of a presentation of the promotion tothe greater than normal level based on a determination that the mobiledevice is in proximity to the plurality of humans, in which the normallevel includes a positive non-zero volume level for presentingpromotions when the mobile device is not in the proximity of theplurality of humans.
 19. The method of claim 2, in which the promotionis determined based on a non-zero monetary amount exceeding a multipleof an amount wagered in the game.
 20. A non-transitorycomputing-readable medium configured to store instructions which, whenexecuted by at least one processor, controls: determining whether a gameplayed, over a communication network, through a mobile device hasproduced a wager result greater than a non-zero monetary threshold;determining a location of the mobile device based on at least one of asignal strength, a video analysis or a positioning system signal;determining a promotion based on the wager result in the game beinggreater than the non-zero monetary threshold and the location beingwithin a maximum distance from a retail establishment; determiningwhether another computing device is in a desired range of the mobiledevice based on the location and a second location of the anothercomputing device; and in response to determining the promotion anddetermining that the another computing device is in the desired range,causing, over the communication network, the another computing device toperform an action related to the promotion.